
Class JE>^_ 



Book A- 






£atw ilribata. 



PRIVATE MEDITATIONS 

AND 

PRAYERS 

OF THE LATE 

RIGHT REV. THOMAS WILSON, D.D. 

LORD BISHOP OF SODOR AND MAN. 



ACCOMMODATED TO GENERAL USE. 



" Lord, teach us to pray." — Luke xi. 1 . 




LONDON: 

PRINTED FOR THE 

SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE 

SOLD AT THE DEPOSITORY, 

GREAT QUEEN STREET, LINCOLN'S-INN FIELDS : 
AND 4, ROYAL EXCHANGE ; 



[323] 



1850. 



SVzuo 
izso 



Exchange 
Western Ont. Univ. Library 
Feb- 25- 1938 



LONDON 1 
W. WATTS, CROWN COURT, TEMPLE BAR. 



PREFACE. 



The truly Reverend Doctor Thomas Wilson, 
fifty-eight years Bishop of Sodor and Man, 
was blessed with the spirit of prayer in a 
very uncommon measure : of which his Sacra 
Privata, or Private Meditations and Prayers, 
are an eminent instance. 

They have hitherto been locked up from 
the world in an expensive book ; and are 
mixed throughout with so much meditation 
and prayer that can come properly from 
the Clergy only, (to whom they are an 
invaluable treasure) as to unfit them for 
general use. 

They are now presented to the public 
in a separate volume : so that pious Chris- 
tians may, at a reasonable expense, distribute 
them amongst such people as either will 
not or cannot buy them ; and the peti- 
tions peculiar to the Clergy only are thrown 
out. 

The pious reader will find these Medita- 
tions and Prayers too long according to 
the present division of them, which there 
is no occasion to adhere to. He may take 



IV PREFACE. 

them up and lay them down, at his own 
discretion and convenience. It is recom- 
mended to him to go through them re- 
gularly, and to continue the use of them 
his whole life : selecting such parts for more 
frequent meditation as are best adapted to 
his necessity and disposition. 

As prayer is one of the most important 
works a man can be engaged in, and few 
find themselves able to discharge it in the 
manner they wish to do ; it is humbly 
hoped that this book, if duly attended to 
as it deserves, may, with God's assistance, 
teach them to pray ; may lead our thoughts 
to meditate on religious subjects; and ha- 
bituate us to clothe our meditations in the 
language of decent, pious, and fervent 
prayer. 

That this valuable book may have this 
effect, is the intention and earnest prayer of 

The Editor. 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



PAGE 

On Devotion and Prayer 1 

Prayer for a devout spirit 5 

for right disposition in prayer 5 

Duties of a Christian — On Prayer - 6 

Preparatory Prayer 7 



Morning Prayer. 9 — 26. 

Miscellaneous 9 

Lord's Prayer paraphrased 12 

Gloria Patri 15 

Prayer for faith, virtue, industry 15 

Intercession for all conditions of men ; for the sick — for 

kings and rulers— for servants, relations, &c. ... 16 

Intercession for all who have asked our prayers . . . 17 

Prayer for virtue in our words 18 

Prayer, miscellaneous 18 

for grace 19 

for faith 20 

against wavering 21 

against cove tousness, &c . . . .- . . . . 21 

for charity, &c. 21 

for repentance — humility 23 

On the way of a happy life 23 

On Christian perfection 24 

Prayers, miscellaneous . 25 

Intercession for the sick and dying 25 

Prayers at Noon. 26 — 31. 

General intercessions 26 

Thanksgivings 27 

Lord's Prayer paraphrased 28 



TABLE OF CONTEXTS. 



Evening Prayer. 32—37- 

PAGE 

Thanksgiving for preservation and grace, &c 32 

Prayer for pardon — for grace 32 

for protection 33 

Lord's Prayer paraphrased 34 

Examination 36 

Prayer for preparation for death 36 

for charitable affections 37 

for safety in sleep — for grace ...... 37 

Sunday Meditations. 38 — 46. 

A daily form of thanksgiving 38 

Prayer for true gratitude 40 

On Providence, and prayers accordingly 40 

Birth-day, thanksgiving, and prayer 41 

New Year's Day, ditto, ditto 42 

Lord's Day, Prayer for love of the Sabbath . ... 43 

Prayers for all mankind .43 

Monday Meditations. 47 — 50. 

Resignation 47 

Business 50 

Master— Servant 50 

Tuesday Meditations. 51 — 60. 

Trouble, persecution, fyc 51 

Resignation 52 

Look unto Jesus 54 

Suffering 56 

Temptation, Despair, Hope, Resignation 58 

Injuries. Enemies . 59 

War, or public dangers 59 

Judgment Dav. Zaccheus 60 



Wednesday Meditations. 61 — 73. 
Covetousness, Fasting, Self -Denial, Difficulties. 

Covetousness 61 

Fasting 62 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. Vti 

PAGE 

Trouble 63 

Difficulties, Law-Suit . .... 64 

Faith 65 

Lively faith ^ 

Self-denial 67 

Take up the Cross 69 

Virtues of a holy life 71 

Self-denial 71 

Mortification 72 

Temperance. Fasting '3 



Thursday Meditations. 74 — 78. 

Religious conversation 74 

Against anger 76 

Forgiveness of injuries 77 

Slander. Uncharitableness 78 



Friday Meditations. 79 — 86. 

Penitence 79 

Good use of time. Prayer for the Jews 84 

In time of public distraction 84 

Christ's patience 86 

Christ's love and charity 86 



Saturday Meditations. 87 — 110. 

Preparation for death .87 

(1.) Worldly preparation. (2.) Repentance. (3.) Up- 
rightness. (4.) Heavenly-mindedness. (5.) Self- 
denial. (6.) Charity. (7.) Resignation. (8.) De- 
votion, or timely preparation for death 87 

Sickness 93 

The sting of death 94 

Holiness and happiness graduated . 94 

Reasons for activity and for hope 95 

Watchfulness ' 96 

Justification. Faith in Christ and in God .... 96 

Death our deliverance 97 

Readiness and preparation for death .98 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



PAGF. 



Death of friends. Preparation for death 102 

Repentance, &c. . 103 

Ejaculations in sickness and remorse 104 

Charity 105 

Alms 106 

Charity 109 

The Litany Ill 

The penitent's support 113 



Ejaculations, &c. 113 — 120. 

Miscellaneous 113 

Love of God. Human Weakness . . . . . . .114 

Follow Christ 114 

Wilful sin 115 

Penitence 116 

Eternity. Example. Perfection 116 

Holiness 117 

Pestilence, or danger. Prayer 117 

After prayers. Riches. Devotion. The Scriptures. 

Perseverance 118 

Morning 119 

Night. Devoutness 119 

Power of Christ. Charitv 120 



ON DEVOTION AND PRAYER, 



True Devotion consists in having our hearts 
always devoted to God as the sole fountain 
of all happiness, and who is ready to hear 
and help his otherwise helpless, miserable 
creatures. 

It is to be attained, 

1st By earnest prayer. He that hun- 
gers AFTER RIGHTEOUSNESS, WILL CERTAINLY 
BE FILLED. 

2dly. By possessing our hearts with a deep 
sense of our own misery, our wants, and dan- 
ger : This is the grace of humility. 

3dly. By considering God's goodness, power, 
and readiness to help us : This is called faith 
in God. 

Lastly ; By convincing our hearts of the 
vanity of every thing else to afford us any real 
help or comfort: This is to be effected by 
self-denial 

[323] b 



2 ON DEVOTION AND PRAYER. 

Dying persons are generally more devout 
than others, because they then see their own 
misery, that nothing in this world can help 
them, and that God is their only refuge. 

We must change our lives, if we desire to 
change our hearts. God will have no regard 
to the prayers of those w 7 ho have none to his 
commands. 

The Spirit of God will not dwell in a divided 
heart. We cannot feel the pleasure of devotion, 
while the world is our delight. Not that all 
pleasures are criminal ; but the closer union 
we have with the world, the less is our union 
with God. A Christian, therefore, who strives 
after devotion, should taste sensual pleasures 
very sparingly ; should make necessity, not 
bodily delight, his rule. 

In order to dispose our hearts to devotion, 
the active life is to be preferred to the 

CONTEMPLATIVE. 

To be doing good to mankind, disposes the 
soul most powerfully to devotion. And in- 
deed we are surrounded with motives to piety 
and devotion, if we would but mind them. 

The poor are designed to excite our libe- 
rality ; — the miserable j our pity ; — the sick, 
our assistance ; — the ignorant, our instruction ; 
— those that axe fallen, our helping hand. In 
those that are vain, we see the vanity of this 
world. In those that are wicked, our own 
frailty. When we see good men rewarded, it 



ON DEVOTION AND PRAYER. 3 

confirms our hope ; and when evil men are 
punished^ it excites us to fear. 

He that would be devout, must beware of 
indulging a habit of wandering in prayer. It 
is a crime that will grow upon us, and will 
deprive us of the blessings we pray for. 

Avoid, as much as may be, multiplicity of 
business. Neither the innocency nor the 
goodness of the employment will excuse us, 
if it possess our hearts when we are praying 
to God. 

When our Lord bids us to take no 
thought for the morrow, He intended to 
hinder those cares and fears which are apt 
to distract our devotions, — which are the 
more unreasonable, because they never can 
change the state of things. 

Never be curious to know what passes in 
the world, any farther than your duty obliges 
you ; it will only distract the mind, when it 
should be better employed. 

Never intermit devotion, if you can help it ; 
you will return to your duty, like Samson, 
when his locks were cut, weak and indifferent 
as other people of the world. 

The oftener we renew our intercourse 
with God, the greater will be our devotion. 

Frequent prayer, as it is an exercise of 
holy thoughts, is a most natural remedy 
against the power of sin. 

Importunity makes no change in God, but 
r 2 



4 ON DEVOTION AND PRAYER. 

it creates in us such dispositions as God 
thinks fit to reward. 

Make it a law to yourself to meditate 
before you pray ; as also to make certain 
pauses, to see whether your heart goes along 
with your lips. 

They, whose hearts desire nothing, pray for 
nothing. 

Give me, O God, the spirit of true devo- 
tion, such as may give life to all my prayers, 
so that they may find acceptance in thy 
sight, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 



SACRA PRIVATA 



Matt. vi. 6, Thou, when thou pray est, enter into 
thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, 
pray to thy Father which is in secret ; and thy 
Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee 
openly. 

How good is God ! who will not only give us 
what we pray for, but will reward us for going to 
Him, and laying our wants before Him. 

May I always present myself before God, — with 
a firm faith and hope in His promises and mercy ; 
— with great reverence to His infinite majesty; — 
with the humility of an offender ; — and with a full 
purpose of keeping all God's commandments. 

May the thoughts of eternity quicken my devo- 
tions; — my wants make me earnest; — my back- 
slidings make me persevere ; — and may I never 
wilfully give way to any distracting thoughts. 

May I wait with patience, and leave it to Thee, 
my God and Father, how and when to grant my 
petitions. 

He that has learned to pray as he ought, has got 
the secret of a holy life. 

It is a greater advantage to us than we imagine, 
that God does not grant our petitions immediately. 
We learn by that, that whereunto we have already 
attained, it ivas the gift of God. 

The best way to prevent wandering in prayer 
is, not to let the mind wander too much at other 



6 SACRA PRIVATA. 

times; but to have God always in our minds in the 
whole course of our lives. The end of prayer is 
not to inform God, but to give man a sight of his 
own misery; to raise his soul towards heaven, and 
to put him in mind that there is his Father and his 
inheritance. 

Matt. vii. 7. Ask, and it shall be given you. 
Grant me. Lord, a faith which shall make me 
know my wants, that I may ask them with earnest- 
ness and humility, and depend upon thy gracious 
promise. 

The Duties of a Christian. 

That man leads a sincere Christian life, 

1st. Who endeavours to serve and obey God to 
the best of his understanding and power. 

2dly. Who strives to please his neighbour to 
edification. 

3dly. Who endeavours to do his duty in that 
state of life unto which it hath pleased God to call 
him. 

Whoever would continue in the practice of 
these things unto his life's end, it is necessary that 
he should — call himself often to an account, whe- 
ther he does so or not; — constantly pray for grace 
to know, and to do, his duty ; — and preserve him- 
self in such a teachable temper, as to be always 
ready to receive the truth when it is fairly proposed 
to him. 

It is a rudeness amongst men to ask a favour, 
and not to stay for an answer. And do we count 
it no fault to pray for blessings, — and never to 
think of them afterwards, — never to wait for them, 
— never to give God thanks for them? 

Let us make prayer familiar to us, for, without 
the help of God, we are every hour in danger. 



SACRA PRIVATA. i 

The devil knows that when we have a relish for 
prayer, and apply ourselves in good earnest to it, 
we are in the way of life ; he therefore strives by 
all ways possible to divert us. 

Let us not run over our prayers with an insen- 
sible and distracted mind. 

Let your prayers be as 'particular as may be, 
against the sins of your particular state, and for 
the graces which you in particular do most stand 
in need of. This is the best preservative against 
sin; — makes us best acquainted with our condi- 
tion ; — puts us continually in mind of mending 
what is amiss ; — lets us see what particular graces 
we most want, what are most needful for the cure 
of our own particular corruption and disorder ; — 
and is the best trial of our hearts. For example ; 
if I pray for charity, and for every instance which 
is necessary to render me truly charitable ; I pray 
for grace — to avoid evil speaking, — to pray for my 
enemies, — to do them good, &c. ; and so of all 
other sins and graces. 

God grant that I may never seek his face in vain. 

Luke xi. 1. Lord, teach us to pray. Pour upon 
us the spirit of supplication and prayer. 

God will deny us nothing that we ask in the 
name of his Son. 

Prayers through Jesus Christ. 

When we offer our prayers through his media- 
tion, it is then He that prays, his love that inter- 
cedes, his blood that pleads, it is He who obtains 
all from his Father. 

Preparatory Prayer. 

O Holy Spirit of grace ! give us a true sight of 
our miseries, and a sincere shame and sorrow when 



8 SACRA PRIVATA. 

we make confession of our sins ; — a feeling sense of 
our need of mercy, and a hope of obtaining pardon 
when we beg it for thy Son's sake. May we resign 
our wills to Thee and to thy goodness, when we 
pray for temporal things : — and when we pray for 
spiritual graces, may we hunger and thirst after 
righteousness. Give us a real love for thy holy 
word, and grace to hear it with attention. May 
we thankfully close with all the means of grace 
and salvation, When we praise Thee for thy works 
of nature and of grace, and give Thee thanks for 
thy mercies, let us do it with high esteem and 
gratitude. Cause us to hear thy holy word with 
faith and attention, and to profit by what we hear, 
that we may return from thy Church with a 
blessing. 



MORNING PRAYER. 



Joshua xxiv. 15. Choose you this day whom ye 
will serve. 

Whom have I in heaven but Thee, O Lord ? and 
there is none on earth that I desire besides Thee. 
Thou art my God, and I will thank Thee ; Thou 
art my God, and I will serve Thee. Be Thou my 
only ruler and governor. 

They that have a convenient place to sleep in, 
and they that have the comfort to sleep, have both 
great reason to be thankful. And even they that 
want these mercies, ought to bless God, if in the 
midst of their afflictions He is pleased to refresh 
them with the comforts of grace. 

Gracious God, continue to me these favours so 
long, and in such measure, as shall most contribute 
to thy honour and my salvation. And in great mercy 
support and relieve all that want these blessings. 

What shall I offer unto the Lord for his mercies 
renewed unto me every morning ! — The sacrifice 
of God is a troubled spirit ; a broken and a contrite 
heart God will not despise. 1 

But most unfit is mine to be to God presented 
until I have obtained his pardon, through the 
merits of the Lord Jesus, for the many sins by 
which it hath been defiled. 

Jer. iii. 12, 13. I [am merciful, saith the Lord, 
and I will not keep anger for ever. Only acknow- 
ledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed 
against the Lord thy God. 

I 1 Psalm li. 17. 

b-3 



10 



SACRA PRIVATA. 



Psa. xxxii. 5. I acknowledge my sin unto thee, 
God, and mine iniquities will I not hide. 

I do therefore implore thy pardon, and plead thy 
gracious promises, with full purpose of heart, by 
the assistance of thy grace, never again to return 
to folly. 

Jer. xvii. 9. The heart is deceitful above all things, 
and desperately ivicked : ivho can know it ? 

I cannot answer for my own heart ; but there is 
no work, O Lord, impossible with Thee. In Thee 
do I put my trust; let me never be put to con- 
fusion. 

Keep it ever in the heart of thy servant, that it 
is indeed an evil thing and bitter to offend the Lord. 

Keep me from presumptuous sins, that I may 
never grieve thy Holy Spirit, nor provoke Thee to 

leave me to mvself. 

j 

Matt. xxvi. 41. Watch and pray, that ye enter 
not into temptation. 

Lord, make me ever mindful of my infirmities 
and backslidings, that I may be more watchful 
and more importunate for grace, for the time to 
come. 

1 Pet. v. 8. Be sober, be vigilant, because your 
adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, 
seeking ivhom he may devour. 

O Lord, grant that this adversary of our souls 
may never find me off my guard, or from under 
thy protection. 

Matt. xvi. 24. If any man will come after me, 
let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow 
me. 

O my Saviour ! how long have I professed to 
follow Thee, without following the blessed steps of 
thy most holy life, — thy patience and humility,— 



SACRA PR1VATA. 11 

thy great disregard for the world, its pleasures, 
profits, honours, and all its idols ! 

O Lord, obtain for me the spirit of mortification, 
and self-denial, that I may follow Thee, as I hope 
to live with Thee for ever. Amen. 

Matt. vi. 24. No man can serve two masters. Ye 
cannot serve God and Mammon. 

May my fear and love never be divided between 
Thee and the world. May I never set up any 
thing, O God, in competition with Thee in the 
possession of my heart. May I never attempt to 
reconcile thy service with that world which is at 
enmity with Thee, my God and Father. 

Mark x. 17. What shall I do that I may inherit 
eternal life ? 

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy 
heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind; 
and thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 

O that this love of God may be the command- 
ing principle of my soul ! May I always have this 
comfortable proof of his love abiding in me, that 
I study to please Him, and to keep his command- 
ments. And may my love to my neighbour be such 
as He has commanded, that I may forgive, and give, 
and love, as becomes a disciple of Jesus Christ. 
Amen. 

Eccles. xii. 13. Fear God, and keep his com- 
mandments, for this is the whole duty of man ; that 
is, the happiness of man. 

May I, great God, continue in thy fear all the 
day long. May I keep thy statutes, and observe 
thy laws. 

Heb. iv. 13. All things are naked and open unto 
the eyes of Him with whom ice have to do. 



12 SACRA PR1VATA. 

Grant that I may always live and act as having" 
Thee, O God, the constant witness of my conduct, 
for Jesus Christ's sake. 

Eccles. ix. 10. Whatsoever thy hand findeth to 
do, do it ivith thy might : — for the night cometh when 
no man can ivork. 

Make me, O Lord, ever sensible of the great 
evil of delaying the work in its season, which Thou 
hast appointed, lest the night surprise me unawares. 

1 John v. 14. This is the confidence ice have in 
God, that if we ask any thing according to his will, 
he heareth us. 

That it may be unto thy servant according to 
this word, I beseech Thee to hear me in the full 
importance of that holy prayer which thy blessed 
Son hath taught us. 

Our Father, which art in heaven; 

In whom we live, and move, and have our being ; 
grant that I, and all Christians, may live worthy of 
this glorious relation, and that we may not sin, 
knowing that we are accounted thine. 

We are thine by adoption ; O make us thine by 
the choice of our will. 

hallowed be thy name. 

O God, whose name is great, wonderful, and holy, 
grant that I and all thy children may glorify Thee, 
not only with our lips, but in our lives ; that others, 
seeing our good works, may glorify our Father 
which is in heaven. 

THY KINGDOM COME. 

May the kingdoms of the world become the king- 
doms of the Lord and of his Christ. And may all 
that own Thee for their King become thy faithful 
subjects, and obey thy laws. Dethrone, O God, and 



SACRA PRIVATA. 13 

destroy Satan, and his kingdom ; and enlarge the 
kingdom of grace. 

THY WILL BE DONE IN EARTH, AS IT IS IN HEAVEN. 

We adore thy goodness, O God, in making thy 
will known to us in thy holy word. May this thy 
word be the rule of our will, of our desires, of our 
lives and actions. May we ever sacrifice our will 
to thine; be pleased with all thy choices for our- 
selves and others; and adore thy providence in the 
government of the world. 

GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD. 

O Heavenly Father, who knowest what we have 
need of, give us the necessaries and comforts of 
this life with thy blessing : but, above all, give us 
the bread that nourisheth to eternal life. 

Acts xvii. 28. God> who giveth to all life, and 
breath, and all things, give us grace to impart to 
such as are in want, of what thou hast given more 
than our daily bread. 

AMD FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES, AS WE FORGIVE 
THEM THAT TRESPASS AGAINST US. 

Make us truly sensible of thy goodness, and mercy, 
and patience towards us, that we may from our 
hearts forgive every one his brother their trespasses. 
May my enemies ever have place in my prayers, 
and in thy mercy. 

AND LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION : 

Support us, O Heavenly Father, under all our 
saving trials, and grant that they may yield us the 
peaceable fruits of righteousness. 

BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL. 

From all sin and wickedness, from our ghostly 
enemy, and from everlasting kleath, good Lord, 
deliver us. 



14 SACRA PR1VATA. 

Deliver us from the evil of sin, and from the 
evil of punishment. 

Deliver us, O Heavenly Father, from our evil 
and corrupt nature ; — from the temptations and 
snares of an evil world, — and from falling again 
into the sins we have repented of. 

FOR THINE IS THE KINGDOM, AND THE POWER, AND 
THE GLORY, FOR EVER AND EVER. AMEN. 

By thy Almighty power, O King of Heaven, for 
the glory of thy name, and for the love of a Father, 
grant us all these blessings which thy Son hath 
taught us to pray for. 

Unto Him that is able to do for us abundantly 
more than we can ask or think, unto Him be glory 
in the church by Christ Jesus, throughout all ages, 
world without end. Amen. 

To God the Creator, the Preserver, and Disposer 
of all things, be the glory of all the good wrought 
in us, by us, and upon us. 

Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving , 
and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God 
for ever and ever. Amen. 

Thine infinite power, ivisdom, goodness, faithful- 
ness, and truth, are the only sure foundation on 
which we may surely depend. O give us a firm 
faith in these thy glorious perfections. 

With angels and archangels, and all the com- 
pany of Heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious 
name, evermore praising Thee, and saying, Holy, 
holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts, heaven and earth 
are full of thy glory. Glory be to Thee, O God 
most High. Amen. 

Jude 24, 25. Now unto Him that is able to 
keep you from falling, and to present you faultless 
before the presence of his glory with exceeding 



SACRA PRIVATA. 15 

joy; to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory 
and majesty, dominion and power, both now and 
ever. Amen. 

Rom. xi. 36. For of Him, and through Him, 
and to Him, are all things ; to whom be glory for 
ever. Amen. 

Rom. xvi. 27. To God only wise be glory 
through Jesus Christ, for ever and ever. Amen. 

Mark ix. 23. All things are possible to him that 
belie veth. 

Yes, Lord, and therefore I beg that faith of 
Him to whom all things are possible, that I may 
be able to discover, to avoid, to resist, and to root 
out, whatever is evil in me. 

Jesus, obtain this grace for thy otherwise 
helpless creature. 

Grant that I may this day escape all the snares 
laid for me by the devil, the world, or mine own 
corrupt heart. 

Grant that I may this day omit no part of my duty. 

1 Tim. iv. 15. Give thyself wholly to these things, 
that thy profiting may appear to all. 

God grant that I may do so : and I pray God 
preserve me from ease, idleness, and trifling away 
my precious time. 

Philemon 4. / thank my God, making mention 
of thee always in my prayers. 

Extend and suit thy graces to all conditions of 
men, that we may be all upright in our dealings, 
obedient to our governors, peaceable in our lives, 
sober, honest, temperate, chaste in our conversa- 
tion, and charitable to the poor, and one towards 
another. 

Increase the number and the graces of all such 
as love and fear Thee, enlighten the minds of the 



16 SACRA PRIVATA. 

ignorant, awaken the consciences of the careless, 
silence the gainsay ers, convert the profane, and all 
that hold the truth in unrighteousness. 

Rebuke the spirit of antichrist, idolatry, and 
libertinism — the sins of drunkenness, whoredom, 
litigiousness, and defrauding the public. 

In tender mercy remember, O God, all sick and 
dying persons ; that they may omit nothing that is 
necessary to make their peace with Thee. Be 
gracious unto all that are in affliction of mind or 
body, or under any pressing calamity, all desolate 
widows and fatherless children, — all that call upon 
Thee, in their distress, and have none else to help 
them. 



Prov. xxi. 1. The king's heart is in the hand of 
the Lord; as the rivers of waters, he turneth it 
whithersoever he will. 

Let this thy power, O Lord, be magnified on her 
Majesty, and on all that are put in authority under 
her,- — That we may be governed with truth and 
justice, by men fearing and honouring God, pro- 
tecting the Christian Religion, and punishing evil 
doers. To this end vouchsafe them, I beseech Thee, 
all the graces necessary for their high station, and 
for their eternal happiness. 



Col. iv. 1. Masters, give unto your servants that 
which is just and equal, knowing that ye also have 
a Master in heaven. 

O Heavenly Lord and Master, bless me with 
good and faithful servants. Let thy blessing be 
upon them, and upon my affairs committed to their 
care ; and may I never be wanting in my duty to 
them, for Jesus Christ's sake, 



SACRA PRIVATA. 



1' 



Relations, Benefactors, fyc. 

Be gracious, O God, to all my relations, bene- 
factors, enemies, and all that have desired my 
prayers ; — all who, by their own labours, do 
minister to our necessities, together with all our 
known and unknown benefactors. Render, O 
God, a good reward, and a plentiful return, to all 
those who have been kind and charitable. Grant 
that we may all so live here, as that we may meet 
hereafter in the Paradise of God. 

John xvi. 23. Verily I say unto you, Wliatsoever 
ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it 
you. 

These are what I ask, O God and Father, above 
all things, for myself, and for all that have desired 
my prayers ; that we may be restored to thy like- 
ness, and never deface it by our sins ; that the 
image of Satan may be destroyed in us; that all 
carnal affections may die in us; and that all things 
belonging to the Spirit may dwell in our hearts 
by faith: — that thy name, and the name of our 
Lord Jesus Christ, may be glorified in us, and we 
in Him : — that our hearts may be entirely thine : 
that we may never grieve thy Holy Spirit: but 
that we may continue thine for ever, for Jesus 
Christ's sake. Amen. 

Ephes. iv. 29. Let no corrupt communication 
proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good 
to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace 
unto the hearers. 

Grant, O God, that I may delight in thy law ; 
that my conversation may be truly Christian. 

May I never hear with pleasure, nor ever repeat, 
such things as may dishonour God, or injure my 
neighbour, or my own character. 



18 SACRA PRIVATA. 

James iv. 11. Speak not evil of one another. 

Ephes. v. 4. Foolish talking or jesting are not 
convenient, but rather giving of thanks. 

Psa. cxli. 3. Set a match, O Lord, before my 
mouth, and keep the door of my lips. 

Matt. xii. 34. Out of the abundance of the heart 
the mouth speaketh. Mow can ye, being evil, speak 
good things ? 

O Holy Spirit of grace, enable me to overcome 
the shame of a degenerate age, which will hear 
nothing with delight, but what concerns this world. 

touch my heart with the true love of God, the 
excellences of his laws, the pleasantness of his 
service, and the wonders of his providences. This 

1 beg for Jesus Christ's sake. 

John xv. 7. Ask what ye will, and it shall be 
done unto you, 

These, O Jesus, are the things that I ask. In- 
tercede for me! that I may be truly sensible of the 
diseases I labour under, and thankfully embrace 
the means which thy goodness hath ordained for 
my recovery. 

Grant that the end of all my actions and designs 
may be the glory of God. 

Enable me to resist all the sinful appetites of my 
corrupt nature. 

Grant that I may hunger and thirst after 
righteousness. 

Vouchsafe me the spirit of adoption, — of suppli- 
cation and prayer, of praise and thanksgiving. 

Obtain for me, O Jesus, the graces of mortifica- 
tion and self-denial ; the graces of a true humility, 
and the fear of God. 



SACRA PRIVATA. 19 

Grant, O God, that I may never knowingly live 
one moment under thy displeasure, or in any 
known sin. 

Grant, O God, that as I have been regenerate, 
and made thy child by adoption and grace, I may 
daily be renewed by thy Holy Spirit, for Jesus 
Christ's sake. 

Enable me, gracious God, to escape the corrup- 
tion that is in the world through lust, that I may 
be partaker of the Divine nature. 

Lord, grant me grace to withstand the tempta- 
tions of the world, the flesh, and the devil ; and 
with a pure heart and mind to follow thee, the only 
God, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Let thy love, O God, be shed abroad in my 
heart, by the power of the Holy Ghost, and grant 
that it may appear in my life, my conversations, 
my words, and actions, for Jesus Christ's sake. 

Blessed be God, that I was admitted into the 
fellowship of Christ's religion. Grant, O God, 
that I may eschew all those things that are con- 
trary to my profession, and follow all such things 
as are agreeable to the same, for Jesus Christ's 
sake. 

Keep me, I beseech thee, O Heavenly Father, 
under the protection of thy good providence, and 
make me to have a perpetual fear and love of thy 
holy name ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Put away from me all hurtful things, and give 
me those things that be profitable for me, through 
Jesus Christ. 

Mercifully grant unto me, O God, such a mea- 
sure of thy grace, that, running the way of thy 
commandments, I may obtain thy gracious pro- 
mises, and be made partaker of thy heavenly trea- 
sure, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Forgive me those things whereof my conscience 



20 SACRA PRIVATA. 

is afraid, and give me those good things which we 
are not worthy to ask, but through the merits and 
mediation of thy Son Jesus Christ. 

That I may obtain that which Thou dost promise, 
make me to love that which Thou dost command, 
through Jesus Christ. 

Keep me from all things hurtful, and lead me 
to all things necessary to my salvation, through 
Jesus Christ. 

The Lord deliver me from every evil work, and 
preserve me to his heavenly kingdom : To whom 
be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 

O that thy Holy Spirit may direct and rule my 
heart, O God, through Jesus Christ. 

Of thy bountiful goodness, O Lord, keep me, I 
beseech Thee, from all things that may hurt me ; 
that I may cheerfully accomplish those things 
which thou wouldst have done, through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. 

Grant, O God, that I may be cleansed from all 
my sins, and serve Thee with a quiet mind, through 
Jesus Christ. 

Deliver me, O Lord, from the bonds of those 
sins, which through my frailty I have committed, 
for Jesus Christ's sake. 



Faith. 

O that I may believe in Thee, O God, and put 
my whole trust and confidence in Thee alone, and 
not in any thing that I myself can do. 

Grant, O God, that I may so perfectly, and 
without all doubt, believe in thy Son Jesus Christ, 
that my faith in thy sight may never be reproved, 
for the sake of the same Jesus Christ. 



SACRA PRIVATA, 21 

Against wavering. 

Grant, O God, that we may not be carried about 
with every blast of vain doctrine, but that we may 
be firmly established in the truth of thy holy go- 
spel, through Jesus Christ. 

Grant, O God, that I may perfectly know thy 
Son Jesus Christ to be the Way, the Truth, and the 
Life, — the Author of the Way, the Teacher of the 
Truth, and the Giver of Life ; — that I may sted- 
fastly walk in the way that leadeth to eternal life, 
through the same Jesus Christ. 

Covetousness. 

Give me grace to forsake all covetous desires, 
and inordinate love of riches and pleasures, through 
Jesus Christ. 

Grant that I may both perceive and know what 
things I ought to do, and also may have grace and 
power faithfully to fulfil the same, through Jesus 
Christ. 

Grant me, O God, the true circumcision of the 
Spirit, that my heart, and all my members, being 
mortified from all carnal lusts, I may in all things 
obey thy blessed will. 

O that we, who know Thee by faith, may, after 
this life, have the fruition of thy glorious God- 
head ! 

In all our dangers and necessities, stretch forth 
thy right hand to save and defend us. 

Charity. 

O send thy Holy Ghost, and pour into my heart 
hat most excellent gift of Charity, the very bond 



22 SACRA PRIVATA. 

of peace and of all virtues, without which whoso- 
ever liveth is counted dead before Thee. 

Grant, I do most humbly beseech Thee, O God, 
that as, by thy special grace preventing me, Thou 
dost put in my mind good desires, so by thy con- 
tinual help I may bring the same to good effect, 
through Jesus Christ. 

everlasting God, grant that as thy Holy 
Angels always do Thee service in heaven, so by 
thy appointment they may succour and defend us 
on earth, through Jesus Christ. 

Grant me grace so to follow thy blessed Saints 
in virtuous and godly living, that I may come to 
those unspeakable joys which Thou hast prepared 
for them that unfeignedly love Thee. 

1 pray God, ray whole spirit, (my understanding, 
will, and conscience,) my soul, (my appetites, affec- 
tions, and passions,) and my body (the tabernacle 
of my soul,) be preserved blameless unto the com- 
ing of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

May I take pleasure in abiding in thy presence, 
O God ; in depending upon Thee ; in leaving 
myself entirely to thy disposal, as a continual 
sacrifice to thy will. 

Give me a victory over all my sins and imper- 
fections ; increase in me the graces of faith, hope, 
and charity, of humility, meekness, patience, and 
resignation, and all other Christian virtues; for 
Jesus Christ's sake. 

Preserve me, gracious God, from spiritual pride ; 
from ascribing any thing I have done, or can do, to 
myself, and robbing Thee of the glory of saving 
me from eternal ruin. 

Take possession, O Jesus, of thy right in my 
soul, which Thou hast redeemed with thy most pre- 
cious blood ; and root out all self-righteousness, 



SACRA PRIVATA. Zo 

self-interest, and self-will ;— that Thou mayest be 
my righteousness, and all in me. 

Repentance. 

Give me, O God, such a true sorrow for my sins, 
as shall enable me to embrace all the necessary 
means, how bitter soever, for rooting sin out of my 
soul. 

Humility. 

1 Pet. v. 5. God resisteth the proud, and. giveth 
grace to the humble. 

I have all the reason in the world to be humble. 
Without God I am nothing. Without his help 
and grace I can do nothing that is good. Without 
his word I know nothing. Of myself, I deserve 
nothing but punishment. Of my own, I have 
nothing but faults, imperfections, and sins, an 
inclination to evil, an aversion to good, unruly 
senses, ungovernable passions, unreasonable affec- 
tions. 

1 Cor. i. 30. O Lord Jesus Christ, who art 
made unto us of God, our wisdom, by revealing Him 
and his glorious perfections ; — our righteousness, by 
satisfying the justice of God in our nature; — our 
sanctification, by procuring for us the Holy Ghost, 
and by restoring us, being sinners, to God's favour ; 
— our redemption, by redeeming us from death 
eternal. O Jesus, for these mighty favours, all 
love and glory be to Thee, with the Father and 
the Holy Ghost, for ever. Amen. 

The way of a hafpy life. 

Lay nothing too much to heart ; — desire nothing 
too eagerly; — rejoice not excessively, nor grieve 
too much for disasters ; — be not violently bent on 
any design ; nor let any worldly cares hinder you 



24 SACRA PRIVATA. 

from taking care of your soul, and remember that 
it is necessary to be a Christian (that is, to govern 
one's self by motives of Christianity) in the most 
common actions of civil life. 

Col. iii. 17. Whatsoever ye do, in word or deed, 
do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks 
to God and the Father by Him. 

He that would not fall into temptation, must 
have a presence of mind, a watchful eye over him- 
self; he must have great things in view, — distin- 
guish betwixt time and eternity ; or else he will 
follow what passion, not what reason and religion 
suggest. 

Christian Perfection. 

Whosoever aspires after (being so united to God 
as to be one spirit with Him) must resolve to do 
all things with this sole view, to please God. 
This I purpose, this I forbear, this I undertake, 
this I do, this I suffer, in obedience to the will of 
God. This should be our express purpose, at all 
times, when we have time to make it : and should 
be often renewed, lest our own will come to be the 
rule of our actions. If I am careful to do this, I 
shall always have my end, whether I succeed, or be 
disappointed, being convinced it is God's will. 

Rom. xiii. 14. Put ye on the Lord Jesus, and 
make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts 
thereof. 

Grant, O Lord, that " I may keep under my 
body, and bring it into subjection, lest by any 
means I should be a cast-away." 1 

" Be ye all of one mind, having compassion one 
of another. Be pitiful, be courteous : not render- 

1 1 Cor. ix. 27. 



SACRA PRIVATA. 25 

ing evil for evil, or railing* for railing ; but, con- 
trariwise, blessing. For he that will love life, and 
see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, 
and his lips that they speak no guile : let him 
eschew evil, and do good : let him seek peace, 
and ensue it." 1 

Give me, O Lord, a wise, a sober, a serious, a 
religious heart. 

Preserve me from evil counsels, and rash enter- 
prises. O make thy way plain before my face. 

Support me this day under all the difficulties 
I shall meet with. 

I offer myself to Thee, O God, this day, to do in 
me, and with me, as to Thee seems most meet. 

Vouchsafe me, gracious God, the Spirit of adop- 
tion, whereby I may cry, Abba, Father, and apply 
to Thee, through Jesus Christ, not as to an angry 
Judge, but as to a merciful and loving Father. 

Remember, that the life of man is only to be 
valued for its usefulness. 

John xv. 12. This is my commandment, That ye 
love one another. 

O Thou, who hast given me this command and 
pattern, give me a sincere desire of following, and 
grace and power to do it. 

James v. 15. And the prayer of faith shall save 
the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up ; and if he 
have committed sins, he shall be absolved [i.e. upon 
his confession]. 

O Lord of life and death ! have mercy upon all 
those who are visited with sickness ; sanctify this 
thy fatherly correction, that they may search their 
ways, and see whence this visitation cometh. 

1 1 Pet. iii. 8, 9, &c 

[323] c 



26 SACRA PRIVATA. 

Have mercy upon all that are appointed to die, 
and grant that they omit nothing that is necessary 
to make their peace with Thee, and that they may 
be delivered from death eternal. And God grant 
that we may apply our hearts to that holy and 
heavenly wisdom, while we live here, which may 
in the end bring us to life everlasting, through 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



NOON. 



1 Tim. ii. 1. / exhort that, first of all, supplica- 
tions, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be 
made for all men. 

Acts xvii. 26. For we are all of one blood. 
And Charity, that more excellent way, is a tender 
affection for the whole creation of God. 

O God, almighty and merciful, let thy fatherly 
kindness be upon all whom Thou hast made. Hear 
the prayers of all that call upon Thee ; open the 
eyes of them that never pray for themselves ; pity 
the sighs of such as are in misery ; deal mercifully 
with them that are in darkness ; and increase the 
number of the graces of such as fear and serve 
Thee daily. Preserve this land from the misfor- 
tunes of war : — this Church from all dangerous 
error : — this people from forgetting Thee, their 
Lord and Benefactor. 15e gracious to all those 
countries that are made desolate by the sword, 
famine, pestilence, or persecution. Bless all per* 

BOnS and places to which thy providence 1 has made 

me a debtor; all who have been instrumental to 
in \ good by their assistance, advice, or example; 

and make me in my turn useful to others. Let 



SACRA PRIVAT*A. 27 

none of those that desire my prayers want thy 
mercy ; but defend, and comfort, and conduct them 
through to their lives 5 end. 

" In every thing give thanks ; for this is the will 
of God, in Christ Jesus, concerning you." 

Cause us, O God, to profit by all the visitations 
of thy grace and mercy, 

" It becometh well the just to be thankful." 

O Lord and Father, I am not worthy of the least 
of all thy mercies, which Thou hast showed thy 
servant, neither can I render due thanks and praise 
for them ; but, O Lord, accept of this my sacrifice 
of praise and thanksgiving. 

For all the known, and for all the unobserved, 
favours, deliverances^ visitations, opportunities of 
doing good, chastisements, and graces of thy Holy 
Spirit, vouchsafed to me, I bless thy good provi- 
dence ; beseeching Thee to pardon my ingratitude, 
that I have passed so many days and years with- 
out observing and without acknowledging thy 
great goodness to thy unworthy servant. 

For when I soberly consider my dependence upon 
Thee, for my life, welfare, health of body, peace of 
mind, grace, comfort, and salvation, I ought to be 
very thankful. 

Glory be to God, my Creator ; glory be to Jesus, 
my Redeemer ; glory be to the Holy Ghost, my 
Sanctifier, my Guide, and Comforter ; all love, all 
glory, be to God most high. Amen. 

Let us never ascribe any thing to ourselves, but 
all to the grace of God, and render to Him all the 
glory of his works. 

Preserve me, O God, from the insensibility of 
those who receive thy favours without being affected 
with them, and from the ingratitude of those who 
look upon them as a debt. 

c2 



28 S^CRA PRIVATA. 

Psa. xcii. 1, 2. It is a good thing to give thanks 
unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, 
O Most High ! To show forth thy loving kindness 
in the morning ', and thy faithfulness every night. 

Many and great have been the favours and bless- 
ings which Thou hast bestowed on these nations ; 
for which, O Lord, in conjunction with those who 
praise Thee for them, and in the stead of those who 
forget to praise Thee, I bless and praise thy holy 
name. — Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not 
all his benefits. 

Our Father, which art in heaven. 

Acts xvii. 28. In Thee we live, and move, and 
have our being. 

Grant that we may love Thee with all our heart, 
and mind, and soul, and strength. 

Blessed be God, who dealeth with us with the 
tenderness of a father. 

that we may remember that our Father and 
our inheritance are in heaven. 

1 commit myself, and all that belongs to me, to 
thy fatherly care and love. 

" Verily, whatever ye ask the Father in my name, 
He will give it you." 1 This is the great support 
and comfort of sinners. Hear us, for thy Son's 
sake ; for us sinners we have no right to ask any 
favour. 

What manner of love is it, that we should be 
called the sons of God ! 2 

HALLOWED BE THY NAME. 

" Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive honour, 
and power, and glory, for Thou hast created all 
things." 

1 John xvi. 23. 2 1 John iii. 1. 



SACRA PRIVATA. 29 

" In this is my Father glorified, that ye bring 
forth much fruit." 

May thy children have a great regard for every 
thing that belongs to Thee. 

May I never dishonour Thee, O Heavenly Father, 
by word or deed. 

May I glorify Thee daily by a good life. Fill my 
heart with a great concern and zeal for thy glory. 

iC Let every thing that hath breath praise the 
Lord." 

" They that honour Me, I will also honour." 

How little have I done to promote thy glory ! 
God be merciful unto me. 

THY KINGDOM COME. 

May all the kingdoms of the world obey thy 
laws, and submit to thy providence, and become 
the kingdoms of the Lord and of his Christ. 

Bless the pious endeavours of all those who 
strive to propagate the Gospel of thy kingdom. 

Vouchsafe to reign in my heart; and let not 
Satan ever have dominion over me. 

Fit us, O God, for the coming of thy kingdom. 
May I submit and rejoice to be governed by Thee. 

O that thy Holy Spirit may direct and rule my 
heart; subdue in me all pride and covetousness, 
hatred, malice, envy, lust, and all uncleanness, and 
whatever shall offend Thee. 



THY WILL BE DONE IN EARTH, AS IT IS IN 
HEAVEN. 

1 Thess. iv. 3. This is the will of God, even 
our sanctification. 

Thou hast sent us into this world, not to do our 
own will, but thine. 



SO SACRA PRIVATA. 

O subject my will to thine. 

May thy name be honoured by the good lives of 
Christians. 

O that I may have respect unto all thy com- 
mands. 

May thy will, revealed to us in thy holy word, 
be the rule of my will, of my desires, my words, 
life, and actions. 

GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD. 

John vi. 27. Labour not for the meat which 
perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto 
everlasting life. 

Lord, give us evermore this bread. Give us the 
necessaries of life ; but, above all, the bread that 
nourisheth to eternal life. 

AND FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES, AS WE FORGIVE 
THEM THAT TRESPASS AGAINST US. 

Luke vi. 37. Forgive, and ye shall be forgiven. 

Grant, O Heavenly Father, that I may close with 
this merciful condition of pardon. 

Thou hast been all mercy to me, O God, grant 
that I may be so to all others. 

Blessed be the Lord, who has put our salvation 
into our own hands. May thy grace, O Father, 
give me a heart ever ready to forgive. 

AND LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION. 

1 Cor. x. 12. Let him that thinketh he standeth 
(firm), take heed lest he fall. 

Let not any confidence in ourselves provoke 
Thee, O God, to leave us to ourselves. 

2 Pet. ii. 9. The Lord hnoweth how to deliver 
the godly out of temptations. 



SACRA PRIVATA. 31 

Thou, O Father, knowest my infirmities, and 
the power of my enemies ; be not wanting to me in 
the hour of temptation. 

Matt. xxvi. 41. Watch and pray, that ye enter 
not into temptation. 

Make me mindful of my weakness, that I may 
be more watchful and importunate for grace. 

Fortify my soul against the temptation of the 
world, the flesh, and the devil, for Jesus Christ's 
sake. 

BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL. 

1 Pet. v. 8. Be sober, be vigilant^ because your 
adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about 
seeking whom he may devour. 

Grant, O Heavenly Father, that this adversary 
may never find me off my guard, or from under 
thy protection. 

In all my saving trials, give me grace and power 
to overcome, to thy glory. 

FOR THINE IS THE KINGDOM, AND THE POWER, AND 
THE GLORY, FOR EVER AND EVER. AMEN. 

To Thee, to Thee alone, and to thy Son, and 
Holy Spirit, be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 



32 SACRA PRIVATA. 



EVENING. 



Psa. cxli. 2, Let my prayer be set forth in thy 
sight, as the incense ; and let the lifting up of my 
hands be as an evening sacrifice. 

That it hath pleased God to add another day to 
the years of my life ; that none of his judgments, 
to which for my sins I am liable, have fallen upon 
me ; that by his grace He has kept me from all 
scandalous sins, and from the dangers of an evil 
world ; that He has given me occasions of doing 
good, and grace to make use of them; that He 
hath supplied me and my family with the neces- 
saries of this life, and with means of obtaining a 
better. — Accept, O God, of my unfeigned thanks 
for these and all thy mercies from day to day, be- 
stowed upon me. Add this to all thy favours, I 
beseech Thee, that I may never forget to be 
thankful. 

Possess my heart with such a deep sense of my 
obligations to and dependence upon Thee for life, 
and health, and grace, and salvation, that religion 
may be my delight as well as my duty. 

But that I may serve Thee with a quiet mind, 
forgive me the things whereof my conscience is 
afraid, and avert the judgments which I have justly 
deserved. Remember not the offences of my 
youth ; and in mercy blot out those of my riper 
years. Pardon my sins of the day past, and of my 
life past, and grant that they may never rise up in 
judgment against me. Amen. 

1 John ii. 1, 2. If any man sin, we have an Ad- 
vocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous : 
and He is the Propitiation for our sins. 



SACRA PRIVATA. 33 

O most powerful Advocate, I put my cause into 
thy hands; let thy blood and merits plead for me, 
and by thy mighty intercession procure for me a 
full discharge of all my sins. 

John v. 14. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come 
unto thee. 

Lord, the frailty of man without Thee cannot 
but fall. In all temptations, therefore, I beseech 
Thee to succour me, that no sin may ever get the 
dominion of me. 

Psa. xci. 1. Whoso dwelleth under the defence of 
the Most High, shall abide under the shadow of the 
Almighty. 

May the Almighty God take me, my family, my 
relations, my friends, my benefactors, and my 
enemies, under his gracious protection; give his 
holy angels charge concerning us ; preserve us from 
the prince and powers of darkness, and from the 
dangers of the night; and keep us in perpetual 
peace and safety ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen. 

Hear me, O God, not according to my weak 
understanding, but according to the full importance 
of that Holy Prayer, which Jesus Christ has taught 
us, and which I presume to offer ; 

Our Father, ivhich art in Heaven, Sfc. 



c3 



34 sacra pr1vata. 

Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed 
be thy name. 

God will be glorified in the salvation of souls. 

If the Almighty God were not my Father, I 
might expect vengeance instead of mercy. 

May I show by my life that God is my Father. 

This earth is not the inheritance of the children 
of God. 

Blessed be God, who dealeth not with us with 
the authority of a lord over his servants, but with 
the tenderness of a father over his children. 

THY KINGDOM COME. 

I own Thee for my King ; do Thou make and 
own me for thy faithful subject. Enlarge thy 
kingdom, for the honour of thy great name. May 
I preserve thy kingdom within me, the government 
of thy Spirit. Bring me into subjection to Thyself 
by thy grace. 



THY WILL BE DONE IN EARTH, AS IT IS IN 
HEAVEN. 

That Thou mayest have a church on earth as 
obedient to thy will, as that is in heaven. 

O Heavenly Father, subdue in me whatever is 
contrary to thy holy will. Grant that I may ever 
study to know thy will, that I may know how to 
please Thee. 

Thy will, O God, is the perfection of justice: 
let me never prescribe to Thee what Thou oughtest 
to give me. What Thou wiliest, we may be sure, 
is best for us : we cannot be sure of what we will 



SACRA PRIVATA, 35 

for ourselves. Hearken not to the corrupt desires 
of my heart, but the voice of thy own mercy. 

GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD. 

Yes. my God, I will have recourse to Thee 
daily ; for on Thee I depend daily for life, and 
breath, and grace, and all things. 

Give me a true understanding and love for thy 
word, the bread which nourished] to eternal life. 

For Thou hast taught us not to seek that bread 
which perisheth, but that which endureth to eter- 
nal life. 

AND FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES. AS WE FORGIVE 
THEM THAT TRESPASS AGAINST US. 

May I ever show mercy to men, that I may 
receive it from Thee, my God. 

Do I value my soul, and think this too hard a 
condition ? 

Thou art all mercy to me ; grant that I may be 
all-merciful to my brethren, for thy sake, O 
Father. 

AND LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION : BUT 
DELIVER US FROM EVIL. 

For Thou knowest our infirmities, and the power 
and malice of our enemies. 

Thou knowest how to deliver the godly out of 
temptation. 

Grant, God, that I may never run into those 
temptations, which in my prayers I desire to avoid. 

Vouchsafe me the gift of perseverance, on which 
my eternal happiness depends. 

Lord, never permit my trials to be above my 
strength. 



36 SACRA PRIVATA. 

O Holy Spirit of Grace, be not wanting to me 
in the hour of temptation. And in all temptations, 
give us power to resist and overcome. Leave us 
not in the power of evil spirits to ruin us. Sup- 
port us under all our saving trials and troubles. 

FOR THINE IS THE KINGDOM, AND THE POWER, AND 
THE GLORY, FOR EVER AND EVER. AMEN. 

Let thy fatherly compassion grant what the Son 
of thy love has encouraged us to pray for. 

By thy almighty power, make good whatever is 
defective in me. 



EXAMINATION. 

Ecclus. xviii. 20. Before judgment examine thy- 
self, and in the day of visitation thou shalt find 
mercy. 

Discover to me, O Thou Searcher of hearts, 
whatever is amiss in me, whether in life or prin- 
ciple. 

From sudden, from unprepared death, good 
Lord deliver me, my family, and all that desire 
my prayers. May we never be surprised in sin; 
and may thy mercy supply whatever shall be want- 
ing in our preparation for death. 

For myself, with the submission of a penitent 
sinner, under the righteous sentence of death 
passed upon all mankind, I beg that I may so live, 
as that I may with joy resign my life a sacrifice of 
obedience, in union with that of my Saviour's, to 
Thee, O Father, trusting in thy mercy, and good- 
ness, and promises in Jesus Christ, at the hour of 
death, and in the day of judgment. Amen. 



SACRA PRIVATA. 37 

Ephes. iv. 26. Let not the sun go down upon 
your wrath. 

Lord, grant that I may lie down to sleep with 
the same charitable dispositions with which I desire 
and hope to die. 

I beseech Thee for all that are my enemies, not 
for judgment and vengeance, but for mercy, for 
the remission of their sins, and for their eternal 
happiness. 

Psa. xiii. 3. Lighten mine eyes, Lord, that 
I sleep not in death. 

Deliver me from the terrors of the night, and 
from the pestilence that walketh in darkness. 

Let my sleep be free from sin; preserve me, O 
Lord, from evil dreams, and evil demons. 

Into thy hands I commend myself, my spirit, 
my soul and body, O Lord, Thou God of truth. 

Grant that I may remember Thee upon my bed. 

Psa. iv. 8. / will lay me dozen in peace, and 
take my rest ; for it is Thou, Lord, only, that makest 
me dwell in safety. 

May the Saviour and Guardian of my soul take 
me under his protection this night and evermore. 



38 SACRA PRIVATA. 

SUNDAY MEDITATIONS. 

PRAYERS. THANKSGIVINGS, &C. 

A Daily Form of Thanksgiving. 

O Almighty God and most merciful Father, who, 
day after day, dost minister to sinful man infinite 
occasions of praising Thee, accept of my unfeigned 
thanks for all the blessings I have and every day 
receive from thy good providence. 

That of thine own mere goodness, and without 
any merit of mine, or of my forefathers, Thou hast 
given me a being from honest and religious parents, 
and in such a part of the world where the Christian 
religion is purely taught, and thy Sacraments duly 
administered. 

That Thou didst endue me with reason and per- 
fect senses; and to make these more comfortable 
to me, didst give me a sound and healthful body. 

That Thou gavest me an early knowledge of 
Thee, my Creator and Redeemer. 

That Thou hast preserved me ever since my 
birth, and hast vouchsafed me health and liberty, 
and a competency of means to support me. 

That Thou hast redeemed me by thy Son, and 
given me a share in his merits ; sanctified me by 
thy Holy Spirit; and hast heaped many favours 
upon me. 

That Thou hast given me honest friends to 
admonish, to counsel, to encourage, and to support 
me, by their interest and advice. 

That Thou hast been my refuge in tribulation, 
and my defence in all adversities ; delivering me 
from dangers, infamy, and troubles. For all 



SACRA PRIVATA. 39 

known or unobserved deliverances, and for the 
guard thy holy angels keep over me, I praise thy 
good providence. 

When I went astray, Thou didst reduce me; 
when I was sad, Thou didst comfort me ; when I 
offended Thee, Thou didst forbear and gently 
correct me, and didst long expect my repentance : 
and when for the grievousness of my sins I was 
ready to despair. Thou didst keep me from utter 
ruin ; Thou hast delivered me from the snares and 
assaults of the Devil ; Thou hast not only pre- 
served my soul, but my body from destruction, 
when sickness and infirmities took hold of me. 

O Lord and Father, I cannot render due thanks 
and praise for all these mercies bestowed upon 
me : such as I have I give Thee ; and humbly 
beseech Thee to accept of this my daily sacrifice 
of thanksgiving. 

Pardon, O God, all my former ingratitude ; and 
that I have passed so many days without observing, 
without admiring, without acknowledging and con- 
fessing thy wonderful goodness to the most un- 
worthy of thy servants. 

For (now I soberly consider my dependence 
upon Thee) as there is no hour of my life that I 
do not enjoy thy favours, and taste of thy goodness, 
so (if my frailty would permit) I would spend no 
part of my life without remembering Thee. 

Praise the Lord, then. O my soul, and all that is 
within me praise his holy name. 

Glory be to Thee, O Lord, my Creator. Glory 
be to Thee, O Jesus, my Redeemer. Glory be to 
the Holy Ghost, my Sanctifier, my Guide, and 
Comforter. 

All love, all glory, be to the high and undivided 
Trinity, whose works are inseparable, and whose 
dominion endureth world without end. Amen. 



40 SACRA PRIVATA. 

When I seriously consider, great God, my de- 
pendence upon thy providence, and that the favours 
and mercies I have received are infinitely more in 
number than the acknowledgments I have made, 
I am justly ashamed of my ingratitude, and afraid 
lest my unthankfulness should provoke Thee to 
hinder the current of thy blessings from descending 
upon me. 

Forgive, O merciful Father, my past negli- 
gences, and give me grace for the time to come to 
observe and to value thy kindnesses, as becomes 
one who has received so much more than he 
deserves. 

Preserve in my soul, O God, such a constant 
and clear sense of my obligations to Thee, that, 
upon the receipt of every favour, I may imme- 
diately turn my eyes to Him from whom cometh 
my salvation. That thy manifold blessings may 
fix such lasting impressions upon my soul, that I 
may always praise Thee faithfully here on earth, 
until it shall please Thee, of thy unbounded 
mercy, to call me nearer the place of thy heavenly 
habitation, to praise my Lord and Deliverer to all 
eternity. 

PROVIDENCE. 

God has more ways of providing for us, of 
helping us, than we can possibly imagine; it is 
infidelity to desire to confine Him to 9 our ways 
and methods. 

Matt. viii. 25. Lord, save us : we perish. 

Nothing can better express our own inability, 
and our whole dependence upon God; two sure 
conditions of obtaining help. 

Since thy mercy, O God, is ever ready to help 
all that call upon Thee in time of distress, let thy 
goodness answer my wants. 



SACRA PRIVATA. 41 

Keep me under the protection of thy good pro- 
vidence, and make me to have perpetual fear and 
love of thy holy name, through Jesus Christ. 

The more destitute we are of human aid, the 
more ought we to trust to that providence which 
God is pleased to exert in extreme necessity. 

O God, give me grace never to condemn thy 
providence; let me adore the wisdom of thy con- 
duct, the holiness of thy ways, and the power of 
thy grace. 

How many sins should we commit, if God did 
not vouchsafe to oppose our corrupt will ! Blessed 
be his holy name, for not leaving me to my own 
choices. 

Psa. xc. 12. So teach us to number our days, 
that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. 



Birth-day. 

Blessed be God for my creation and birth; for 
giving me a being from honest parents fearing 
God, and in a Christian and Protestant country 
— for giving me perfect members and senses, a 
sound reason, and a healthful constitution — for 
the means of grace, the assistances of the Holy 
Spirit, and for the hopes of glory: — for all the 
known or unobserved favours, providences, and 
deliverances, by which my life has hitherto been 
preserved; — most humbly beseeching Thee, my 
God and Father, to pardon my neglect or abuse 
of any of thy favours, and that I have so very 
much forgotten Thee, in whom I live, and move, 
and have my being. 

Good Lord, forgive me the great waste of my 
precious time, — the many days and years of health, 



42 SACRA PRIVATA. 

and the many opportunities of doing good, which 
I have lost ; and give me grace, that for the time 
to come I may be truly wise, that I may consider 
my latter end, and work out my salvation with 
fear and trembling, ever remembering that the 
night cometh, when no man can work ; and that the 
day of my death may be better to me than the day 
of my birth. 

O gracious God, grant that before Thou takest 
from me that breath which Thou gavest me, I may 
truly repent of the errors of my life past ; that my 
sins may be forgiven, and my pardon sealed in 
Heaven; so that I may have a place of rest in 
Paradise with thy faithful servants, till the general 
resurrection; when the good Lord vouchsafe me 
a better, and an everlasting life, through Jesus 
Christ. Amen. 



New Year's Day. 

Blessed be God, who has brought us safe to the 
beginning of another year. 

Blessed be God, that I am of the number of 
those who have time and space for repentance yet 
given them. 

My God, make me truly sensible of this mercy, 
and give me grace to consider often how short and 
how uncertain my time is ; that there is one year 
more of a short life passed over my head; and 
that I am so much nearer eternity, that I may in 
good earnest think of another life, and be so pre- 
pared for it, as that death may not overtake me 
unawares. 

Lord, pardon all my misspent time, and make me 
more diligent and careful to redeem it for the time 
to come, that when I come to the end of my days, 



SACRA PRIVATA. 43 

I may look back with comfort on the days that are 
past. 

Grant that I may begin this new year with new 
resolutions of serving Thee more faithfully; — and 
if, through infidelity or negligence, I forget these 
good purposes, the good Lord awaken in me a 
sense of my danger. 

My heart is in thy hands, O God, as well as 
my time ; O make me wise unto salvation ; that I 
may consider in this my day the things that belong 
unto my peace ; and that I may pass this, and all 
the years I have yet to live, in the comfortable 
hope of a blessed eternity, for the Lord Jesus' 
sake. Amen. 

Lord's Day. 

Amos viii. 5. When will the sabbath be gone, 
that we may sell wheat? 

Deliver us, gracious God, from this sin of covet> 
ousness,— from being weary of thy sabbaths, which 
are ordained to preserve in our hearts the know- 
ledge of Thee, and of thy Son Jesus Christ. 

O that we may desire and rejoice in the return 
of this day, and serve Thee faithfully on it ; and 
that we may enjoy an everlasting sabbath with thy 
saints, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 

that I may be glad, when they say unto me, 
Come, let us go to the house of God ! 

Prayers for all Mankind, 

1 Tim. ii. 1. I exhort that , first of all, suppli- 
cations, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, 
be made for all men. 

O God, almighty and merciful, let thy fatherly 
goodness be upon all that Thou hast made. 



44 SACRA PRIVATA. 

Have mercy upon all Jews, Turks, Infidels, and 
Heretics ,• and grant that none may deprive them- 
selves of that happiness which Jesus Christ has 
purchased by his death. 

Bless the pious endeavours of all those that strive 
to propagate the Gospel of Christ: and may its 
saving truths be received in all the world ! 

Preserve thy Church in the midst of the dangers 
that surround it: purge it from all corruptions, 
and heal its divisions, that all Christian people 
may unite and love as becomes the disciples of 
Christ 

Grant that all bishops and pastors may be 
careful to observe the sacred rites committed to 
their trust : 

That godly discipline may be restored and 
countenanced : 

That Christians may not content themselves 
with bare shadows of religion and piety, but en- 
deavour after that holiness without which no man 
can see the Lord : 

That such as are in authority may govern with 
truth and justice : and that those whose duty it is 
to obey, may do it for conscience 1 sake. 

Let all that sincerely seek the truth, be led into 
it by thy Holy Spirit ; and to all such as are des- 
titute of necessary instruction, vouchsafe a greater 
measure of thy grace. 

Support and comfort all that labour under trials 
and afflictions, all that suffer wrongfully; and by 
thy mighty grace succour all those that are tempted. 

Give unto all sinners a true sense of their un- 
happy state, and grace and strength to break their 
bonds. 

Visit with thy fatherly comforts all such as are 
now in their last sickness, that they omit nothing 
that is necessary to make their peace with Thee. 



SACRA PR1VATA. 45 

Be gracious to all those countries that are made 
desolate by the sword, famine, pestilence, or per- 
secution. And sanctify the miseries of this life, to 
the everlasting benefit of all that suffer. 

Preserve this land from the miseries of war; 
this Church from persecution, and from all wild 
and dangerous errors; and this people from for- 
getting Thee, their Lord and Benefactor. 

Avert the judgments which we have justly 
deserved; and mercifully prevent the ruin that 
threatens us; and grant that we may be ever pre- 
pared for what thy Providence shall bring forth. 

Bless all persons and places to which thy Pro- 
vidence has made me a debtor ; all who have been 
instrumental to my good, by their assistance, ad- 
vice, or example ; and make me in return useful to 
others. 

Let none of those who cannot pray for them- 
selves, and desire my prayers, want thy mercy; 
but defend, and comfort, and conduct them 
through this dangerous world, that we may meet 
in paradise, to praise our God for ever and ever. 
Amen. 

Enlighten the minds, and pardon the sin, of all 
that err through simplicity. 

Let the wickedness of the wicked come to an 
end, but guide Thou the just. 

Relieve and comfort all that are troubled in 
mind or conscience; — all that are in danger of 
falling into despair ; — all that are in any dangerous 
error ; — all that are in prison, in slavery, or under 
persecution for a righteous cause ; — all that are in 
any distress whatever ; that all may improve under 
their sufferings. 

Have mercy upon and reclaim all that are en- 
gaged in sinful courses, in youthful lusts, in un- 
christian quarrels, and in unrighteous law-suits. 



46 SACRA PRIVATA. 

Direct all that are in doubt, all that seek the 
truth. 

O God 9 the Creator and Redeemer of all, have 
mercy upon all whom Thou hast made and re- 
deemed. Amen, 



SACRA PRIVATA. 47 

MONDAY MEDITATIONS. 

RESIGNATION, 

Luke xxii. 42. Nevertheless, not my will, but thine, 
be done. 

O God, who takest delight in helping the afflicted, 
help a soul too often distressed with an inward 
rebellion against thy just appointments. 

Who am I, that I should make exceptions against 
the will of God, infinitely great, wise, and good ? 

I know not the things that are for my own good. 

My own earnest desires, if granted, may prove 
my ruin. 

The things I complain of and fear may be the 
effects of the greatest mercy. 

The disappointments I meet with may be abso- 
lutely necessary for my eternal welfare. 

I do therefore protest against the sin and mad- 
ness of desiring to have my will done, and not the 
will of God. 

Grant, gracious Father, that I may never dis- 
pute the reasonableness of thy will, but ever close 
with it as the best that can happen. 

Prepare me always for what thy providence 
shall bring forth. 

Let me never murmur, be dejected, or impatient, 
under any of the troubles of this life: but ever 
find rest and comfort in this, this is the will 
of my Father, and of my God ; grant this for 
Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 

To the glory of God, and justification of his 
infinite goodness, I do here acknowledge, that in 
all the dispensations of Providence which have 



48 SACRA PRIVATA. 

befallen me to this day, however uneasy to flesh 
and blood, I have notwithstanding" experienced the 
kindness of a father for his child; and am con- 
vinced, that it would have been much worse for me 
had I had my own choices. 

O God, grant that for the time to come I may 
yield a cheerful obedience to all thy appointments. 
Amen. 

Corrupt nature cannot comprehend that afflic- 
tions are the effects of the Divine love. It must be 
thy grace, O Lover of Souls, which must work in 
me this conviction, which I beseech Thee to vouch- 
safe to me. 

Never set a greater value upon this world than 
it deserves. 

If a man be not eager or positive in his desires, 
he will more readily embrace the appointments of 
Providence. 

If w r e place our hopes, or our dependence, upon 
the^oz^r, the wisdom, the counsel, or the interest, 
we have in man, and not in God only, we shall 
surely be disappointed. 

Job xiii. 15. Though he slay me, yet zvill I trust 
in him. 

O my crucified King and Saviour, let my sub- 
mission to whatever afflictions shall befal me, for 
thy sake, or by thy appointment, be to me a pledge 
and an assurance of my fidelity to Thee, and con- 
formity to thy sufferings. 

It is a favour to be punished and to suffer ill this 
life, when a man makes a good use of his suffer- 
ings. But to suffer by constraint, is to suffer with- 
out comfort and without benefit. 

Our union and conformity with the will of God 
ought to be instead of all consolation. 

Grant, O God, that I may always accept of the 



SACRA PRIVATA. 49 

punishment of my sins with resignation to thy 
good pleasure, 

Remember me, Lord, in the day of trouble; 
keep me from all excess of fear, concern, and 
sadness. 

Grant me an humble and resigned heart, that 
with perfect content I may ever acquiesce in all 
the methods of thy grace, that I may never frus- 
trate the designs of thy mercy by unreasonable 
fears, by sloth, or self-love. Amen. 

Think often of God, and of his attributes, his 
mercy, compassion, fidelity, fatherly care, good- 
ness, protection. Dwell on these thoughts till 
they produce such a well-grounded confidence, 
as will support us under all difficulties, and assure 
us that He cannot possibly forsake those that de- 
pend on Him. 

When God, deprives us of any thing that is 
most dear to us,— health, ease, conveniences of 
life, friends, wife, children, &c. — we should im- 
mediately say, This is God's will ; I am by Him 
commanded to part with so much; let me not 
therefore murmur or be dejected, for then it 
would appear that I did love that thing more than 
God's will. 

When God thus visits us, let us immediately 
look inwards ; and lest our sins should be the oc- 
casion, let us take care that we seriously repent, 
and endeavour to make our peace with God ; and 
then He will either deliver or support us, and 
will convince us that we suffer in justice for our 
faults ; or for our trial, and to humble us ; for 
God's glory, and to sanctify us. 

1 Pet. v. 5. Be clothed zvith humility; for God 
resisteth the proud, but give th grace to the humble. 
Give me grace, O God, to studv, to love, to 
[323] d 



50 SACRA PRIVATA. 

adore, and to imitate that humility which thy 
blessed Son hath taught us, both by his word and 
by his most holy example. 

Business. 

Ephes. v. 17. Understanding what the will of 
the Lord is. 

To engage in any business of importance with- 
out knowing this, and taking counsel of God, may 
cost us dear. 

Isaiah xxx. 1. Woe to them that take counsel, 
hut not of me, saith the Lord. 

But then, let a man take heed, that when he 
goes to inquire of the Lord, he does not set up 
idols in his own heart, lest God answer him ac- 
cording to his idols. 

We are to pray for the direction of God's 
Spirit, upon all great occasions ; especially, we 
are humbly to depend on his direction, and cheer- 
fully to expect it; which He will manifest either 
by some plain event of his providence, or by sug- 
gesting such reasons as ought to determine the will 
to a wise choice. 

But to follow the inclinations of the will without 
reason, only because we find ourselves strongly 
inclined to this or that, is a very dangerous way, 
and may engage us in very dangerous practices. 

Master. — Servant. 

Death, in a very little time, may make the 
master and the servant equal. Let us anticipate 
this equality, by treating our servants with com- 
passion; having respect to Christ, in the person 
of our servant — to Christ, who took upon Him the 
form of a servant for our sakes. 



SACRA. PRIVATA. 51 

TUESDAY MEDITATIONS. 

TROUBLE, PERSECUTION, AFFLICTIONS, &C. 

Psalm 1. 15. Call upon me in the time of trouble : 
so will I hear thee, and thou shalt praise me. 

O God, who seest all our weaknesses, and the 
troubles we labour under, have regard unto the 
prayers of thy servant, who stands in need of thy 
comfort, thy direction, and thy help. 

Grant that I may suffer like a Christian, and 
not grieve like an unbeliever; — that I may receive 
troubles as a punishment due to my past offences 
— as an exercise of my faith, and patience, and 
humility, — and as a trial of my obedience ; — and 
that I may improve all my afflictions to the good 
of my soul, and thy glory. 

Thou alone knowest what is best for us: let 
me never dispute thy wisdom or thy goodness. 

Direct my reason, subdue my passions, put a 
stop to my roving thoughts and fears; and let 
me have the comfort of thy promise, and of thy 
protection, both now and ever, for Jesus Christ's 
sake. Amen. 

Heb. xii. 7, 8. If ye endure chastening, God 
dealeth with you as with sons ; for ivhat son is he 
whom the father chasteneth not ? But if ye be 
without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, 
then are ye bastards, and not sons. 

Micah vii. 9. / will bear the indignation of the 
Lord, because I have sinned against Him. 
d2 



52 SACRA PRIVATA. 

If I am despised or slighted, I ought to con- 
sider it as a favour, since this is a mark of God's 
children; and therefore I ought to thank Him for 
it, and not be angry with those whom He makes 
his instruments to subdue and mortify my pride. 

1 Pet. iv. 13. Rejoice, inasmuch as ye are made 
partakers of the sufferings of Christ; that, when 
his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with 
exceeding joy ; — Because your reward will be pro- 
portionable to your sufferings. 

Matt. v. 11, 12. Blessed are ye, when men shall 
revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all 
manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad ; for great is your 
reward in heaven : for so persecuted they the pro- 
phets which were before you. 

The mystery of the cross is to be learned under 
the cross. 

Matt, x, 28 — 30. Fear not them which kill the 
body, but are not able to kill the soul : but rather 
fear him which is able to destroy both body and soul 
in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing ? 
and one of them shall not fall on the ground without 
your Father, The very hairs of your head are all 
numbered. 

1 Pet. v. 6, 7. Humble yourselves under the 
mighty hand of God, [under great afflictions which 
He suffers to befal you] that he may exalt you 
in due time : casting all your care upon Him, for 
He careth for you. 

Matt. vi. 10. Thy will be done. 

It is just, great God, it should be so ; for who 
shall govern the world, but He that made it? 
And yet we poor creatures repine, when any thing 



SACRA PRIVATA. 53 

crosses our hopes or designs. What strange un- 
thoughtfulness ! what presumption is this ! And 
it is thy great mercy that any of us are sensible of 
this folly, and become willing to be governed by 
Thee. 

With all my heart and soul, O God, I thank 
Thee, that in the changes and chances of this 
mortal life, I can look up to Thee, and cheerfully 
resign my will to thine. 

It is the desire of my soul, and my humble 
petition, that I may always be ready and willing 
to submit to thy providence, that Thou mayest 
order what Thou judgest to be most convenient 
for me. 

I have trusted Thee, O Father, with myself; 
my soul is in thy hand, which I verily believe 
Thou wilt preserve to eternal happiness ; my body, 
and all that belongs to it, are of much less value. 
I do, therefore, with as great security and satisfac- 
tion, trust all I have to Thee : hoping Thou wilt 
preserve me from all things hurtful, and lead me 
to all things profitable to my salvation. 

I will love Thee, O God; being satisfied that 
all things, however strange and irksome they 
appear, will work together for good to those that 
do so. 

I know in whom I have believed : I have a 
Saviour at my right hand, full of kindness, full of 
care, full of power : He has prayed for me, that 
this faith fail me not; and by this faith I am per- 
suaded, that neither tribulation, nor anguish, nor 
persecution, nor famine, nor nakedness, nor peril, 
nor sword, nor death which I may fear, nor life 
which I may hope for, nor things present which I 
feel, nor things to come which I may apprehend, 
shall ever prevail so far over me, as to make me 
not to resign my will entirely to Thee. 



54 SACRA PRIVATA. 

In an humble, quiet, and dutiful submission, let 
me faithfully run the race that is set before me, 
looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our 
faith, who, for the joy that was set before Him, 
despised the shame, endured the cross, and is now 
seated at the right hand of God ; to whom I most 
humbly beseech Thee to bring me in thy good 
time ; and for whatever shall fall out in the mean- 
while, Thy will be done. Amen. 

Look unto Jesus. 

He was despised and rejected of men; — his life 
was sought for by Herod; — He was tempted by 
Satan; — hated by the world which He came to 
save; — set at nought by his own people;— called 
a deceiver, and a dealer with the devil; — was 
driven from place to place, and had not where to 
lay his head; — betrayed by one disciple, and 
forsaken by all the rest ; falsely accused, spit upon 
and scourged; set at nought by Herod and his 
men of war; given up by Pilate at the will of 
his enemies; and a murderer preferred before 
Him ; — was condemned to a most cruel and 
shameful death; — crucified between two thieves; 
— reviled in the midst of his torments ; — had gall 
and vinegar given Him to drink; — suffered a most 
bitter death, submitting with patience to the will 
of his Father. 

O Jesu, who now sittest at the right hand of 
God, to succour all who suffer in a righteous way; 
— be thou my Advocate for grace, that in all my 
sufferings I may follow thy example, and run with 
patience the race that is set before me. Amen. 

Take all things that befal you as coming from 
God's providence, for your particular profit ; and 
though they are evil in themselves, yet as He 



SACRA PRIVATA. 55 

permits, or does not think fit to hinder them, they 
may be referred to Him. 

God no sooner discovers in your heart an ardent 
desire of well-doing, and of submitting to his will, 
but He prepares for you occasions of trying your 
virtue ; and, therefore, confident of his love, re- 
ceive cheerfully a medicine prepared by a physi- 
cian that cannot be mistaken, and cannot give 
you any thing but what will be for your good. — 
See Eccles. chap. ii. 

Lord, prepare my heart, that no afflictions may 
ever so surprise, as to overbear me. 

Dispose me at all times to a readiness to suffer 
what thy providence shall order or permit. 

It is the same cup which Jesus Christ drank of; 
it is He sends it. He sees it absolutely necessary 
that I must be first partaker of his sufferings, and 
then of his glory. 

Matt. x. 22, And ye shall be hated of all men 
for my names sake ; but he that shall endure to the 
end shall be saved. 

It is indeed grievous to nature to be thus 
treated; but when it is for thy name's sake, O 
Jesus, and for the sake of thy truth, and for being 
true to Thee ; bow lovely is this hatred, and how 
advantageous, when salvation is the reward ! 

Matt. x. 24. The disciple is not above his mas- 
ter, nor the servant above his lord. 

He who keeps this saying in his heart, will 
never complain of what he suffers, nor seek for 
any other way to save himself but by humiliation 
and the cross. 



56 SACRA PRIVATA. 

Suffering. 

O Lord, grant that, whenever I suffer, it may be 
for being faithful to Thee, and without drawing it 
unseasonably upon myself. 

We are in God's hands ; w 7 e often take ourselves 
out of his hands, by trusting to the help and pro- 
tection of men, more than that of God. 

God can render none miserable but those whom 
He finds sinners. Let us apply this to ourselves 
when in affliction, but not unto others, or to their 
personal faults. 

Rev. iii. 19. As many as I love, I rebuke and 
chasten ; be zealous, therefore, and repent. 

Blessed be God, who vouchsafes, by salutary 
chastisements, to awaken us when we fall asleep 
through sloth and lukewarmness. 

Grant, O God, that I may never murmur at thy 
appointments, nor be exasperated at the ministers 
of thy providence. 

In Thee, O Jesus, we find matter of consolation 
in every affliction that can possibly befal us. 

All visitations are from God. He is not de- 
lighted with the miseries of his poor creatures; 
afflictions are therefore designed for our good. 
He will either show us the reason of his visitation, 
or make us reap the fruits of it. 

People that may be well disposed, may yet live 
under the power of some evil custom, which is 
displeasing to God ; — a man may have been guilty 
of some great sin which he has never yet truly 
repented of^ or been truly humbled for. This was 
the case of the sons of Jacob ;— they had attempted 
the life of, and afterwards sold, their brother, and 
endangered the life of their aged father; under 
which guilt they passed their life well enough for 



SACRA PRIVATA. 57 

many years till God visited them ; and then they 
thought of their sin, confessed, and repented. 

God, by afflictions, often fits us for greater de- 
grees of grace which He is going to bestow. 

Though I suffer, yet I am well, because I am 
what God would have me to be. 

Lord, do not permit my trials to be above my 
strength ; and do Thou vouchsafe to be my strength 
and comfort in the time of trial. 

Give me grace to take in good part whatever 
shall befal me; and let my heart acknowledge it 
to be the Lord's doing, and to come from thy pro- 
vidence, and not by chance. 

God makes use of afflictions— sometimes by way 
of prevention; lest I should be exalted, said St. 
Paul 1 — To reform them; before I was afflicted, 
I went astray 2 ; — To perfect them; patience, 
courage, submission to the will of God, are graces 
not so much as understood by people who meet 
with no adversities ; we must through much tribu- 
lation enter into the kingdom of God 3 ; — To prove 
men, and show them for examples; if a man had 
no enemies, how could he show his charity in for- 
giving them ? 

John xi. 5. Afflictions are no marks of God's 
displeasure. Jesus loved Mary and Lazarus, yet 
they were both afflicted. 

Punishment is due to sin. We must be punished 
here or hereafter : — it is the cause of all afflictions, 
and designed by our gracious God to bring us to 
repentance. 

Prosperity is a most dangerous state ; — we fancy 
it is owing to our merit, and it is followed with 
pride, neglect of duty, fearlessness. 

1 2 Cor. xii. &c. 2 Psa. cxix. 67. 3 Acts xiv. 22. 

d3 



58 SACRA PRIVATA. 

It is happy for us when God counts us worthy 
to suffer for his name's sake. 

Afflictions, undergone with resignation, are the 
great test of our love of God ; when we love Him, 
then He chastens us. May God sanctify all our 
afflictions to us all ! 

May I receive every thing from thy hand with 
patience and joy. 

Remember me, O God, in the day of trouble. 
Secure me, by thy grace, from all excess of fear, 
concern, and sadness. 

Let the afflictions I meet with be in some mea- 
sure serviceable towards the appeasing of thy 
wrath. Let them prove the happy occasion of 
forwarding my conversion and salvation. 

Temptation, 

We are exposed to temptation all our days. 
Men are never more dangerously tempted, than 
when they think themselves secure from tempta- 
tion: — this is a proof of the power the devil has 
over them. We tempt God when we expose our- 
selves unnecessarily to dangers, through a false 
confidence of his assistance. 

Despair. — Hope. 

Grant, O God, that amidst all the discourage- 
ments, difficulties, dangers, distress, and darkness 
of this mortal life, I may depend upon thy mercy, 
and on this build my hopes, as on a sure foundation. 

Let thine infinite mercy in Christ Jesus deliver 
me from despair, both now and at the hour of 
death. 

Resignation. 

Grant that I may receive the punishment of my 
sins with patience and resignation. 



SACRA PRIVATA. 59 

Injuries. — Persecution. 
Give me, O God, a heart to consider that man 
could have no power against me, unless it were 
given him from above. 

Enemies. 

A Christian should not discover that he has 
enemies any other way than by doing more good 
to them than to others. If thine enemy hunger, feed 
him; if he thirst, give him drink. He will therefore 
be careful not to lose such occasions. 

Jesu ! whose charity all the malice of thy 
bitterest enemies could not overcome, shed abroad 
in my heart that most excellent gift of charity; the 
very bond of peace, and of all virtues. 

Ecclus. viii. 7. Rejoice not over thy greatest 
enemy being dead : but remember that we die all. 

Our enemies are our benefactors, procuring for 
us a new right to heaven, 

1 pray God convert all those who hate us with- 
out a cause. 

I beseech Thee for my enemies, not for venge- 
ance but for mercy; that Thou wouldest change 
their hearts by thy grace, or restrain their malice 
by thy power. 

In Time of War. 

O Sovereign Lord ! who for our sins art justly 
displeased, I prostrate myself before Thee, con- 
fessing my own sin and the sin of this people; 
acknowledging the justice of any scourge w r hich 
Thou shalt think fit to bring upon us ; and trem- 
bling to think how much I may have contributed 
towards it. 

Thou hast already spoken to us both by thy 
judgments and mercies, both by the scarcity and 



60 SACRA PRIVATA. 

plenty of bread; and we have not regarded it. 
Thou hast taken away the lives of many, very many, 
in their very sins, by which numerous widows and 
fatherless children have been left miserable. 

The sins of whoredom and drunkenness^ of swear- 
ing, lying, and perjury ; of litigiousness, injustice* 
and defrauding the public ; are made light of. 

The sins of impiety, of prof aneness, of despising 
the means of grace and salvation, are too common 
amongst us. 

What shall we say, to prevail with God to avert 
the judgments which these sins deserve ? 

God be merciful unto us, and put a stop to this 
torrent of wickedness ; put thy fear into all our 
hearts, that we may return to Thee ; that we may 
repent, and bring forth fruit meet for repentance ; 
and that iniquity may not be our ruin. 

May the dread of thy now threatened judgments 
deter us from evil ; may thy goodness and patience 
lead us to repentance; — weaken the power of 
Satan: — take from among us the spirit of slumber, 
of ignorance, and inconsideration. 

Let every one of us see and feel the plague of 
his own heart, and say, What have I done to bring 
these evils upon us ? So that bringing forth fruits 
answerable to amendment of life, we may escape 
thy judgment now hanging over us : and, above all, 
thy judgment against sinners in the world to come. 
And this I beg for Jesus Christ his sake. Amen. 

Judgment Day. 

Grant, O Lord, that I may be of the number of 
those that shall find mercy at that day. 

Zaccheus. 

The good Lord grant that I may give a proof of 
the sincerity of my conversion by a change of life. 



SACRA FRIVATA. 61 



WEDNESDAY MEDITATIONS. 

COVETOUSNESS. FASTINGS. DIFFICULTIES. 

SELF-DENIAL. 

Matt. iv. 9, 10. All these things will I give thee, 
— Get thee hence, Satan : for it is written, Thou 
shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt 
thou serve. 

Great and glorious God, who alone art worthy 
of our love and service, cure me of, and preserve 
me from, the sin and vanity of admiring this 
world. 

Give me grace to renounce all covetous desires, 
all love of riches and pleasures; to desire only 
what is necessary, and to be content with what 
Thou, O Lord, thinkest so. 

Not to be troubled at the loss or want of any 
thing besides thy favour : 

That no business, no pleasures, may divert me 
from the thoughts of the world to come : 

That I may cheerfully part with all these things 
when Thou requirest it of me : 

And that I may be ever prepared to do so, dis- 
pose me to a temperance in all things, and to lay 
up my treasure in heaven, for Jesus Christ's sake. 
Amen. 

Luke vi. 24. Woe unto you that are rich ! for 
ye have received your consolation. 

A man must have but little faith, who can read 
thes€ words, and yet love riches, and the pleasures 
they afford. 



62 SACRA PRIVATA. 

Lord, grant that I may resist every temptation 
to the love of creatures ; lest they steal my heart 
from Thee, my God, whom I desire to love with 
all my soul. 

I know that I must in a great measure renounce 
all other objects of my affection, in order to love 
Thee with all my heart. Lord, give me grace and 
strength to put this in practice. 

1 John ii. 15. Love not the world, nor the things 
that are in the world. If any man love the world, 
the love of the Father is not in him. 

Grant, O God, that I may never hope to re- 
concile two things so inconsistent as the love of 
Thee and the world. 

Matt. v. 3. Blessed are the poor in spirit ; for 
theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

To be poor in spirit — is to be disengaged from 
wealth, to look upon it as a burthen or a trust. 

1 Tim. vi. 8. Having food and raiment, let us be 
therewith content. 

And yet even the Christian world is not content 
without superfluities and excess. These disorders 
are not less criminal, because so common. 

Give me, O God, the eyes of faith, that I may 
see the world just as it is — the vanity of its pro- 
mises, the folly of its pleasures, the unprofitable- 
ness of its rewards, the multitude of its snares, and 
the dangers of its temptations. 

Fastings. 

Jesus Christ spared not his innocent flesh, but 
fasted: the 'sinner cherisheth his continually, re- 
fusing it nothing. 



SACRA PRIVATA. 63 

Fasting" is in some sense a punishment and ex- 
piation for past sins, a remedy for present tempta- 
tions, and a preservative against future. 

Ps, cii. 4. My heart is smitten and withered 
like grass ; so that I forget to eat my bread. 

The humble and afflicted soul is not much con- 
cerned to please the appetite. 

Luke vi. 25. Woe unto you that are full ! for 
ye shall hunger : that is, Ye whose daily meals are 
feasts, who make profession of a life of sensuality, 
who know not what it is to fast; woe to such 
Christians ! 

If we judge ourselves with severity, we shall be 
judged with mercy. 

In Time of Trouble. 

Psa. xxxix. 11. When thou with rebukes dost 
correct man for iniquity, thou makest his beauty 
to consume away like a moth. 

merciful God, who in thy wise providence 
dost so order even natural events, that they serve 
both for the good of the universe and for the con- 
viction of particular sinners, so that men shall have 
reason to acknowledge thy glorious attributes ; — I 
do with great sorrow of heart, but with all submis- 
sion to thy good pleasure, confess thy mercy as 
well as justice to me in the judgments, afflictions, 
and sorrows of this day. 

1 acknowledge thy voice, O merciful God; I 
acknowledge my own transgressions, which have 
provoked Thee to speak to me after this manner, 
and at this very time. 

O Lord, give me true repentance for all the 
errors of my life, and particularly for that which was, 
in all probability, the occasion of this affliction. 



64 SACRA PRIVATA. 

Blessed be God, that my punishment was not as 
great as my crime. 

Blessed be God, that He has given me time to 
repent of the sin that provoked Him to deal with 
me after this manner. 

Blessed be God, that, when He spake to me 
once, yea twice, I regarded it at last. 

Good God of mercy, give me grace that I may 
not provoke Thee any more to repeat this word to 
me, but that I may faithfully perform those vows 
which are upon me. This I cannot do without thy 
gracious assistance, which I most humbly beseech 
Thee to vouchsafe me, for Jesus Christ's sake, who 
by his merits has purchased this grace for all that 
faithfully ask it of Thee : for his sake, O merciful 
God, grant me this grace. Amen. 

I do in all humility accept of the punishment of 
mine iniquities. 

I will hold my peace, and not open my mouth, 
because it is thy doing, and my deservings. 

I know, O Lord, that it is good for me to be in 
trouble, or Thou wouldst not suffer it to be so. 

Let thy merciful kindness be my comfort, ac- 
cording to thy promise to all that love and serve 
Thee. 

Difficulties. 

We are to pray for the particular direction of 
God's Holy Spirit upon all great occasions; we 
are humbly to depend upon, and cheerfully to 
expect it. 

In a Law-suit. 

Convince me, O God, if I am under any mistake 
in this affair. 

Direct, assist, and support me under all the 
difficulties I shall meet with. 



SACRA PRIVATA. 65 

Pat a happy end, in thy good time, to this 
troublesome controversy. 

Dispose the hearts of those with whom we have 
to do, to peace and justice. 

Give me grace to rest satisfied with whatever 
shall be the issue ; believing assuredly that God 
can make good any loss I may sustain, or sanctify 
it to my eternal welfare. 

Lord, in this, and in all other things I undertake, 
thy will be done, and not mine. 

manifest thy will to me, preserve me from 
evil counsels, and from rash enterprises. 

Faith. 

Grant, O God, that I may with humility receive, 
and with perseverance hold fast, all those truths 
which Thou hast revealed. 

1 thank Thee, O God, for thy Holy Word, and 
for that Thou hast not left us, in the affair of 
eternity, to the uncertainty of our own reason and 
judgment. 

Defend me against all delusions of error; the 
snares of wit and learning; the railleries of pro- 
fane men; and from deserting the truth. Grant, 
O God, that neither education, interest, prejudice, 
nor passion, may ever hinder me from discerning 
the truth. 

Open the eyes of all that are in error : heal the 
wounds of the divided Church; that we may be 
one fold under one Shepherd. Amen. 

John xvi. 13. The Holy Spirit shall guide you 
into all truth. 

O Holy Spirit, make me to understand, embrace, 
and love the truths of the Gospel. 



66 SACRA PRIVATA. * 

Give, O God, thy blessing unto thy Word, that 
it may become effectual to my conversion and 
salvation, and to the salvation of all that read and 
hear it. 

Give me grace to hear thy Holy Word with 
reverence and respect, becoming the gracious ma- 
nifestation of thy will to men; submitting my 
understanding and will to thine. 

Let thy gracious promises, O God, contained in 
thy word, quicken my obedience. Let thy dreadful 
threatenings and judgments upon sinners frighten 
me from sin, and oblige me to a speedy repentance, 
for Jesus Christ his sake. 

Cause me, O God, to believe thy word, to obey 
thy commands, to fear thy judgments, and to hope 
in, and depend upon, thy gracious promises, con- 
tained in thy Holy Word, for Jesus Christ's sake. 

Give me a full persuasion of those great truths 
which Thou hast revealed in thy Holy Word. 



The Gospel will not be a means of salvation to 
him who reads, or hears it only, but to him who 
reads, loves, remembers, and practises it by a 
lively faith. 

Cause me, O God, rightly to understand, and 
constantly to walk in the way of thy command- 
ments. 

Grant us in this world knowledge of thy truth, 
and in the world to come life everlasting, for Jesus 
Christ's sake. 

From hardness of heart, and contempt of thy 
word, good Lord deliver us. 

Give us grace to hear meekly thy Word, to 
receive it with pure affection, and to bring forth 



SACRA PRIVATA. 67 

the fruits of thy Spirit, to amend our lives according 
to thy Holy Word. Amen. 

Self-Denial, 

Ecclus. xix. 5. He that resisteth pleasures crown- 
eth his life. 

Vouchsafe me, gracious God, the graces of 
mortification and self-denial, that my affections 
and flesh being subdued unto the spirit, and my 
heart and all my members being mortified from all 
carnal and worldly lusts, I may ever obey thy 
blessed will, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen, 

All mankind being under the sentence of death, 
certain to be executed, and at an hour we know 
not of: a state of repentance and self-denial, of 
being dead and crucified to the world, is certainly 
the most suitable, the most becoming temper that 
we can be found in, when that sentence comes to 
be executed ; that is, when we come to die : — 
Especially when we consider that this short and 
uncertain time, allowed us betwixt the sentence 
and execution, will determine our condition for 
eternity. 

If this be the case of fallen man, as most cer- 
tainly it is, then thoughtless, unremitting pleasure 
is the greatest indecency; — a fondness for the 
world, the greatest folly; — and self-indulgence, 
downright madness. 

And consequently, the contrary to these, namely, 
a constant seriousness of temper, an universal 
care and exactness of life, an indifference for the 
world, self-denial, sobriety, and watchfulness, must 
be our greatest wisdom. 

And this discovers to us the reason and the 
necessity of all the duties of Christianity, and of 
God's dealings with fallen man in this state of trial. 



68 SACRA PRIVATA. 

For instance : — Jesus Christ commands us to 
deny ourselves, and take up our cross daily; not 
because He can command what He pleases, (for He 
is infinite goodness, and can command nothing but 
what is good for his creatures,) but because the 
corruption of our nature requires that we should 
be forbidden every thing which would increase our 
disorder. 

And because this disorder has spread itself 
through all the powers of our souls and bodies, 
and inclines to evil continually, He requires that 
our self-denial should reach as far as our cor- 
ruption. 

He commands us, therefore, to deny our own 
wisdom, because we are really blind as to what 
concerns our own true good, and should infallibly 
ruin ourselves, if left to our own choices. 

He commands us to deny our appetites, because 
intemperance would ruin us. 

He forbids us to give way to our passions; 
because a thousand evils will follow if we should 
do so. 

He obliges us to keep a very strict w r atch over 
our hearts; because from thence proceed hypo- 
crisy, covetousness, malice, and many other evils. 
We are forbid to set our hearts upon the world, 
and every thing in it, because our eternal happi- 
ness depends upon our loving God with all our 
heart and soul. 

We are obliged to love our neighbour and our 
very enemies ; and are forbid to hate, to contend 
with, to liurt, to go to law with him, because 
this would exasperate our minds, and grieve the 
Holy Spirit of God, by which we are sancti- 
fied; being against that charity which God de- 
lights in. 

We are forbid all repining when God afflicts us. 



SACRA PRIVATA. 89 

because, as sinners, suffering is due to us. And 
because our bodies have a very great influence 
over our souls, we are commanded to fast, and to 
be strictly temperate at all times, and to deny 
ourselves the love of sensual pleasures and self- 
indulgence. 

We are commanded to deny all the ways of 
folly, vanity, and false satisfaction, that we may be 
able to take satisfaction and pleasure in the ways 
of God. 

In short : — in whatever instances we are com- 
manded to deny ourselves, it is because it is abso- 
lutely necessary, either to cure our corruption, or 
to qualify us for the grace of God, or to hinder us 
from grieving God's Holy Spirit, and forcing Him 
to forsake us. 

The more we deny ourselves, the freer we shall 
be from sin, and the more dear to God. 

God appoints us to sufferings, that we may keep 
close to Him ; and that we may value the suffer- 
ings of his Son, which we should have but a low 
notion of, did not our own experience teach us 
what it is to suffer. 

They that deny themselves will be sure to find 
their strength increased, their affections raised, and 
their inward peace continually advanced. 

1 Tim. vi. 8. Having food and raiment, let us 
be therewith content. 

Let us not imagine that excess, luxury, and 
superfluity, and the love of pleasure, are less 
criminal, because they are so common. 

Take up the Cross. 

This is designed as a peculiar favour to Chris- 
tians, as indeed are all Christ's commands. Miseries 
are the unavoidable portion of fallen man. All 



70 SACRA PR1VATA. 

the difference is, Christians suffering in obedience 
to the will of God, it makes them easy ; unbelievers 
suffer the same things, but with an uneasy will and 
mind. 

To follow our own will, our passions, and our 
sense, is that which makes us miserable. It is for 
this reason, and that we may have a remedy for all 
our evils, that Jesus Christ obliges us to submit 
our will, our passions, &c. to God. 

The good Christian is not one who has no incli- 
nation to sin, (for we have all the seed of sin in us,) 
but who, being sensible of such inclinations, de- 
nieth them continually, and suffers them not to 
grow into evil actions. 

Every day deny yourself some satisfaction; — 
your eyes, objects of mere curiosity; — your tongue, 
every thing that may feed vanity, or vent enmity ; 
— the palate, dainties; — the ears, flattery, and 
whatever corrupts the heart ; — the body, ease and 
luxury; — bearing all the inconveniences of life 
(for the love of God), cold, hunger, restless nights, 
ill health, unwelcome news, the faults of servants, 
contempt, ingratitude of friends, malice of enemies, 
calumnies, our own failings, lowness of spirits, the 
struggle in overcoming our corruptions, bearing 
all these with patience and resignation to the will 
of God. Do all this as unto God, witti the greatest 
privacy. 

All ways are indifferent to one who has Heaven 
in his eye, as a traveller does not choose the plea- 
santest, but the shortest and safest way to his 
journey's end ; and that is, the way of the cross, 
which Jesus Christ made choice of, and sanctified it 
to all his followers. 

Matt. viii. 20. The Son of Man hath not where 
to lay his head. 



SACRA PRIVATA. 71 

This should fill us with confusion, whenever we 
are over-much concerned for the conveniences of 
life. 

Our affections being very strongly inclined to 
sensible good, for the sake of which we are often 
tempted to evil, and fall into great disorders, we 
should resolve to sacrifice our will to reason, and 
reason to the will of God. 

God does not require it of us, that we should 
not feel any uneasiness under the cross, but that 
w r e should strive to overcome it by his grace. 

Virtues of a Holy Life. 

Fervency in devotion ; — frequency in prayer ; — 
aspiring after the love of God continually; — 
striving to get above the world and the body ;— 
loving silence and solitude, as far as one's condi- 
tion will permit; — humble and affable to all; — 
patient in suffering affronts and contradictions ; — 
glad of occasions of doing good even to enemies ; 
— doing the will of God, and promoting his honour 
to the utmost of one's power ; — resolving never to 
offend Him willingly, for any temporal pleasure, 
profit^ or loss. These are virtues highly pleasing 
to God. 

Self-denial does not consist in fasting and other 
mortifications only, but in an indifference for the 
world, its profits, pleasures, honours, and its other 
idols. 

It is necessary that we deny ourselves in little 
and indifferent things, when reason and conscience, 
which is the voice of God, suggest it to us, if ever 
we hope to get the rule over our own will. 

Say not it is a trifle, and not fit to make a sacri- 
fice of to God. He that will not sacrifice a little 
affection, will hardly offer a greater. It is not the 



72 SACRA PRIVATA. 

thing, but the reason and manner of doing it; 
namely, for God's sake, and that I may accustom 
myself to obey his voice, that God regards, and 
rewards with greater degrees of grace. 

The greater your self-denial, the firmer your 
faith, and more acceptable to God : the sincere 
devotion of the rich, the alms of the poor, the 
humility of the great, the faith of such whose con- 
dition is desperate ; the contemning the world, 
when one can command it at pleasure ; continuing 
instant in prayer, even when we want the consola- 
tion we expected : these and such-like instances of 
self-denial, God will greatly reward. 

They who imagine that self-denial intrenches 
upon our liberty, do not know that it is this only 
that can make us free indeed, giving us the 
victory over ourselves, setting us free from the 
bondage of our corruption, enabling us to bear 
afflictions (which will come one time or other), to 
foresee them without amazement, enlightening 
the mind, sanctifying the will, and making us to 
slight those baubles, which others so eagerly con- 
tend for. 

Mortification consists in such a sparing use of the 
creatures, as may deaden our love for them, and 
make us more indifferent in the enjoyment of them. 
This lessens the weight of concupiscence which 
carries us to evil, and so makes the grace of God 
more effectual to turn the balance of the will. 1 

Carnal man cannot comprehend that God loves 
those whom He permits to suffer; — but faith 
teaches us, that the cross is the gift of his love, 
the foundation of our hope, the mark of his chil- 
dren, and the title of an inheritance in heaven. 
But unless God sanctify it by his Spirit, it becomes 

1 Norris's Christian Prudence, p. 300. 



SACRA PRIVATA. 73 

an insupportable burthen, a subject of murmuring, 
and an occasion of sin. 

He that loveth life (that is, is fond of it,) for 
the sake of the pleasures and advantages it affords, 
will soon lose the love of heavenly things ; the love 
of God, of his soul, and of the duty he owes to 
them : he hates it, who does not value it in com- 
parison of eternal life, which he hopes for. A 
Christian gives proof of this by mortifying himself. 

Those whom God loves, in order to a happy 
eternity, He weans from the pleasures of this 
present life. 

Temperance consists in a sober use of all earthly 
visible things ; and in confining ourselves within 
the compass of what is necessary. 

With God all things are possible. 

The Almighty God enable me to conquer the 
temptations of riches, and to get above the allure- 
ments of this present life. 

Christian self-denial is, to resist and crucify in 
ourselves the spirit and inclination of Adam, — 
the flesh, its affections, and lusts, — to die to our 
passions, in order to follow the motions of the 
Spirit. 

Fasting. 

Necessary to bring our hearts to a penitent, 
holy, and devout temper ; and to perform the 
vows that are upon us. 

By fasting, by alms, and by prayer 's, we dedicate 
our bodies, goods, and souls, to God, in a particular 
manner. 



[323] 



74 SACRA PRIVATA. 



THURSDAY MEDITATIONS. 

Ephes. iv. 29. Let no corrupt communication 
proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to 
the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the 
hearers. 

Ephes. v. 4. Foolish talking and jesting are not 
convenient. 

Preserve me, O God, from a vain conversation. 
Give me grace never to be ashamed or afraid to 
speak of Thee, and of thy law. 

Give me a lively sense of the value of religion, 
and make it the delight of my heart; that I may 
speak of it with judgment, seriousness, and affec- 
tion, and at all seasonable times. 

May that good Spirit, which appeared in the 
likeness of tongues of fire, warm my heart, and 
direct my thoughts. 

Matt. xii. 34, 87. Out of the abundance of the heart 
the mouth speaketh. — How can ye, being evil, speak 
good things'? — By thy words thou shalt be justified, 
and by thy ivords thou shalt be condemned. 

Psa. cxli. 3. Set a guard, Lord, upon my 
mouth, and keep the door of my lips. 

Psalm xxxvii. 30. The mouth of the righteous 
speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judg- 
ment. 

Hearts, truly touched with the love of God, 
will communicate light and heat to each other, — 
will speak honourably of God, of his perfections, 
his justice, goodness, wisdom, and power, — the 



SACRA PRIVATA. 7o 

excellency of his laws, — the pleasantness of his 
service, — the instances of his love, — -the rewards 
He has promised to his friends, and the punish- 
ments He has prepared for his enemies. 

Matt. v. 16. Let your light so shine before men, 
that they may see your good ivorks, and glorify your 
Father which is in heaven. 

1 Thess. v. 11. Wherefore comfort yourselves 
together, and edify one another. 

Heb. x. 24. Let us consider one another, to pro- 
voke unto love, and to good icorks. 

And let us join a good life to our religious con- 
versation : and never contradict our tongue by our 
deeds. 

We always do good or harm to others by the 
manner of our conversation; we either confirm 
them in sin, or awaken them to piety. 

It is too true that some evil passion or other, 
and to gratify our corruption, is the aim of most 
conversations. We love to speak of past troubles ; 
— hatred and ill-will make us take pleasure in 
relating the evil actions of our enemies. We 
compare, with some degrees of pride, the advan- 
tages we have over others. We recount, with too 
sensible a pleasure, the w T orldly happiness we 
enjoy. This strengthens our passions, and in- 
creases our corruption. God grant that I may 

watch against a weakness, which has such evil 
consequences. 

May I never hear, never repeat with pleasure, 
such things as may dishonour God, hurt my own 
character, or injure my neighbour. 

James iv. 11. Speak not evil one of another. 
e 2 



76 SACRA PRIVATA. 

True humility makes us see our own faults, 
without concerning ourselves with the faults of 
others. 

Against Anger. 

Eccles. vii. 9. Be not hasty in thy spirit to be 
angry : for anger resteih in the bosom of fools. 

O Lord, who art a God ready to pardon, slow to 
anger, and of great kindness, remove far from me 
all occasions and effects of causeless and immoderate 
anger; all pride and prejudice, and too much con- 
cern for the things of this world ; all intemperate 
speeches and indecent passions. 

Give me, O God, a mild, a peaceable, a meek, 
and an humble spirit, that, remembering my own 
infirmities, I may bear with those of others : — 
that I may think lowly of myself!, and not be 
angry when others also think lowly of me : that I 
may be patient towards all men ; gentle and easy 
to be entreated, that God, for Christ's sake, may 
be so towards me. Amen. 

Ephes. iv. 26. Be ye angry and sin not ; Let not 
the sun go down upon your wrath. 

Prov. xix. 11. The discretion of a man deferreth 
his anger. 

A soft answer turneth away strife. 

Prov. xvi. 32. He that is slow to anger, is better 
than the mighty : and he that ruleth his spirit, than 
he that taketh a city. 

Rom. xii. 10. Be kindly affectioned one towards 
another* 

Suppress the very beginnings of anger. 

Do not use to indulge it, even where there are 
real faults; but try the gentle way; which may 



SACRA PRIVATA. 77 

probably succeed better, and to be sure, with more 
ease by far. 

Seldom do people vex us on purpose, and yet 
prejudice very often makes us think that they do. 

A sense of one's own integrity will make one 
pass by injuries more easily. 

Be not too much concerned to tell the injuries 
you have received. 

Accustom yourselves to silence, if you would 
learn to govern your tongue. 

Deliver me, O God, from all violent and sinful 
passions, and give me grace to stand against them. 

Matt. v. 5. Blessed are the meek. 
Instruct me, Lord, in this Christian virtue ; 
Thou who art the master and teacher of it. 

For Forgiveness of Injuries. 

Luke vi. 37. Forgive, and ye shall be forgiven. 

O God, who alone canst order the unruly wills 
and affections of sinful men, show mercy to thy 
servant, in forcing my corrupt nature to be obe- 
dient to thy commands. 

O God, who hast made it my everlasting in- 
terest, as well as my duty, to forgive my neighbour, 
whatever wrong he has done me, help me to over- 
come all the difficulties I have to struggle with, all 
pride, prejudice, and desire of rendering evil for 
evil, that I may not deprive my soul of that mercy 
which thine infinite goodness has offered to 
sinners. 

James ii. 13. He shall have judgment zvithout 
mercy, that hath shown no mercy. 

O blessed God, help me in this great concern, 
that I may never fall under thy wrath, for want of 
showing my mercy to others ; but grant, O blessed 



78 SACRA PRIVATA. 

Jesus, that in this I may be thy disciple indeed. 
Amen. 

Slander. 

Matt. xi. 19. The Son of man came eating and 
drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and 
a wine-bibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. 

Whatever measure a good man takes, he will 
hardly escape the censures of the world ; the best 
way is not to be concerned at them. 

It is an instance of humility silently to bear the 
calumnies which are raised against us, when they 
relate to ourselves only ; but it is a duty of pru- 
dence and charity modestly to vindicate ourselves, 
when the honour of God and the Church is con- 
cerned. Both Jesus Christ and John the Baptist 
were slandered : who then will complain that they 
cannot satisfy the world, and stop men's mouths ? 

Psa. cxx. 2. Deliver my soul, Lord, from 
lying lijps, and from a deceitful tongue. 

TJncharitableness. 

Envy makes us see what will serve to accuse 
others, and not perceive what may justify them. 
A truly good man is always disposed to excuse 
what is evil in his brethren, as far as truth will 
suffer him. 



SACRA PRIVATA. 79 

FRIDAY MEDITATIONS. 

Penitence. 

Luke xviii. 13. The publican, standing afar off, 
would not so much as lift up his eyes to heaven : 
but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful 
to me a sinner. 

What would become of me, if Thou, O God, 
shouldest not have mercy upon me ? 

When I seriously consider these dreadful truths, 
—That all they are accursed, ivho do err, and go 
astray from thy commandments, — That the unprofit- 
able servant was cast into outer darkness ; — When I 
think of these things, I cannot but fear for myself, 
and tremble to think of the account I have to 
give. 

Isaiah lxvi. 2. To this man will I look, even to 
him that is poor, and of a contrite spirit, and 
trembleth at my word. 

Psa. xxxiv. 18. The Lord is nigh unto them that 
are of a contrite heart : and will save such as be of 
an humble spirit. 

Look upon me, gracious Lord, with an eye of 
mercy. 

Psa. xxv. 11. For thy name's sake, Lord, 
pardon my iniquities, for they are great. 

My only comfort is, they are not too great for 
thy mercy. 

And the Lord Jesus our Advocate has assured 
us, even with an oath, That all sins shall be forgiven 



80 SACRA PRIVATA. 

unto the sons of men. That is, if with hearty re- 
pentance and true faith they turn unto God. 

O most powerful Advocate ! I put my cause into 
thy hands ; — let it be unto thy servant according 
to thy word; let thy blood and merits plead for 
my pardon: — to say unto me, as Thou didst unto 
the penitent in the gospel, Thy sins are forgiven. 
And grant that I may live to bring forth fruits 
meet for repentance. 

Matt. vi. 14. If ye forgive men their trespasses, 
your heavenly Father will also forgive your tres- 
passes. 

Even the power to perform this most kind con- 
dition must be from thy grace, O Jesus ! 

And I trust Thou wilt grant me this grace, because 
the very will to ask it is from Thee and from thy 
will, which wills nothing in vain. 

Perfect, therefore, O my Saviour, the work which 
Thou hast begun in me ; and let me feel the effects 
of thy grace, in the constancy of my devotions, — 
in the care of my soul, — in the faithful discharge 
of my duty, — and in all such acts of righteousness, 
piety, and charity, by which I shall be judged at 
the last day. 

John v. 14. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come 
unto thee. 

Make me, O Lord, ever mindful of my infirmi- 
ties and backslidings, that I may be more watchful 
and more importunate for grace, for the time to 
come. 

Matt. v. 7. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall 
ohtain mercy. 

Give me, O Lord, a true compassion for the 
wants and miseries of others, that Thou mayest 
have compassion upon me. 



SACRA PRIVATA. 81 

Luke xiv. 1 0. There is joy in the presence of God 
over one sinner that repenteth. 

Lord, increase the number of penitents, and the 
joys of heaven, in delivering* me and all sinners 
from the power of the devil, and in vouchsafing us 
the grace of a true conversion. 

Matt. v. 4. Blessed are they that mourn, for 
they shall be comforted, 

O Lord, grant that I may seek for comfort not 
in the things of this world, but by a sincere repent- 
ance for my sins, by which God is dishonoured, 
and his judgments hang over my head, 

. Luke xix. 10. The Son of Man is come to seek 
and to save that which was lost, 

O comfortable words for lost sinners : God 
himself seeks to save them. O Thou, who sought 
me when I was astray, save me for thy mercy's 
sake, and preserve that which Thou hast sought 
and found. 

Matt. xi. 28. Come unto me, all ye that labour 
and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 

O Jesu, conduct and keep me to Thyself, or I 
may surely miss the way. 

Phil. ii. 12, 13. Work out your own salvation with 
fear and trembling ; for it is God that worketh in 
you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. 

It was not in myself, O God, to begin the work 
of my conversion; — finish, I beseech Thee, that 
which Thou hast begun in me ; may I close with 
thy grace, and persevere unto my life's end. , 

Micah vii. 18. God retaineth not his anger for 
ever, because he delighteth in mercy. 
e3 



82 SACRA PRIVATA. 

Ezra ix. 15. Lord God, behold we are before 
thee in our trespasses ; we cannot stand before thee 
for this. 

Numb. xiv. 19. Pardon, I beseech thee, the ini- 
quity of thy servant, according to the greatness of thy 
mercy. 

say unto me, as Thou didst unto Moses, / have 
pardoned thee. 

Ezek. xviii. 22. All his iniquities that he hath 
committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him. 

Lord, be merciful unto us, for we have sinned 
in the midst of light, and even against light ; in 
contempt of the grace we received at our baptism. . 

1 John i. 9. If we confess our sins, God is 
faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to 
cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 

These are comfortable words to one whom the 
sight of his sins has cast into a dread of the judg- 
ments of God. Both that dread, and the hatred of 
sin, and the dependence upon the promise of God, 
and the love that that produces in the soul, are 
owing entirely to the blood of Jesus Christ. 

2 Sam. ix. 8. What is thy servant, that thou 
shouldst look upon such a dead dog as I am ? 

My only support is, that my sins have not put 
me out of the reach of that mercy which is infinite. 

Who can understand his errors ? O cleanse Thou 
me from my secret faults. 

O Lord, be favourable unto me ; pardon and 
deliver me from all my sins. 

Grant that my sins may never rise up in judg- 
ment against me, nor bring shame and confusion of 
face upon me. 



SACRA PRIVATA. 83 

My soul truly waiteth still upon God, for of Him 
cometh my salvation. 

John vi. 20. It is I; be not afraid. 

Lord Jesus, in all the troubles that shall befal 
me, speak these comfortable words to my soul, It 
is I ; be not afraid; and then I shall be secure 
both from presumption and despair. 

John viii. 24. If ye believe not that I am he, 
(that is, the Messiah, the Son of God,) ye shall 
die in your sins. 

O Jesus, the only refuge of sinners, does the 

world know what it is to die in sin ? 1 believe ; 

Lord, increase my faith: and deliver us all from 
the dreadful state of final impenitency. 

— 31. If ye continue in my word, then are ye 
my disciples indeed. 

May I, O Jesus, love the truths of thy word; 
make the gospel my delight, and continue in the 
practice of them to my life's end. 

— 51. If a man keep my sayings, he shall never 
see death. 

Jesus, Thou hast made known to us another 
death besides that which separates the soul from 
the body. O may thy grace and mercy secure us 
from the bitter pains of eternal death. 

Luke vii. 7. Say the word, and my servant shall 
be healed. 

1 acknowledge, O Jesu, the almighty power of 
thy grace to heal all the disorders of my soul : O 
deal with me according to the multitude of thy 
mercies ; and heal my soul of its sad disorders. 

John iv. 24. God is a spirit ; and they that icor- 
ship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. 



84 SACRA PRIVATA. 

Give me, O Jesus, an inward disposition to holi- 
ness, an humble and contrite heart, a dependence 
on the will of God, an acknowledgment of his 
goodness, and a zeal for his glory ; to which all the 
ordinances of his law and gospel should lead us. 

Good Use of Time. 

Grant, O Lord, that, as I have but a short 
time to live, ai;d an eternal interest depending, I 
may not squander away one moment in vanity, or 
in that which will not profit me in the day of ad- 
versity. 

Rom. xi. 25, 26. Blindness in part is happened to 
Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. 
And so all Israel should be saved. 

O God, the God of Abraham, look upon thine 
everlasting covenant; cause the captivity of Judah 
and of Israel to return. They were thy people ; 
O be Thou their Saviour, that all who love Jeru- 
salem, and mourn for her, may rejoice with her, for 
Jesus Christ's sake, their Saviour and ours. Amen. 

In the Time of Public Distractions. 

O Sovereign Lord ! I prostrate myself before 
Thee, confessing my own sin, and acknowledging 
the justice of any scourge which Thou shalt bring 
upon us ; and trembling to think how much I may 
have contributed towards it; — beseeching Thee to 
have compassion on us, in these days of confusion. 

O Lord, prevent the judgments that threaten 
us — purge this nation from all such crimes as may 
be the cause of thy heavy displeasure against us, — 
from whoredom and drunkenness ; from swearing, 
lying, and perjury**; from sacrilege, injustice. 



SACRA PRIVATA. 85 

fraud, disobedience, malice, and uncharitableness. 
Take from among us the spirit of atheism, irre- 
ligion, and profaneness ; and in mercy rebuke and 
convert all such as give encouragement or coun- 
tenance to any of these vices, which may provoke 
Thee to give us up to infidelity or destruction. O 
let thy anger be turned away from us; — give us not 
over unto the will of our adversaries, and unto such 
as strive to bring all things into confusion. Preserve 
this Church in the midst of all dangers ; — and re- 
store unto us peace and unity ; and grant us grace 
to make a better use of these blessings for the time 
to come, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 

We complain of oppression; of our laws being 
perverted and trampled upon ; of arbitrary govern- 
ment, &c. Let us not be wiser than God, who 
judges these things to be necessary — to exercise 
the good, — to punish the wicked, — to reclaim the 
sinner, — to recover those that are going astray, — 
to make all serious. Let us not impeach the ways 
of Providence, who brings good out of evil; but 
reverence and submit to his will, his wisdom, and 
justice. 

Isaiah lxii. 6, 7. Ye that are the Lord's remem- 
brancers, keep not silence ; give him no rest, till he 
establish, and till he make Jerusalem (his Church) a 
praise on the earth. 

Thy kingdom come. — Though we are altogether 
unworthy of the good times Thou hast promised 
thy Church, yet we beseech Thee deprive us not 
of them. 

O Lord, hear ; O Lord, forgive ; O Lord, 
hearken, and do not defer these good days, for 
thine own sake, our God. 

We hope a day is coming, when all the world will 
come and worship Thee, O God. — See Jer. xxxi. 



86 SACRA PRIVATA. 



Christ's Patience. 



What sorrows did He undergo, and with what 
patience did He suffer them ! Patient, when Judas 
unworthily betrayed Him with a kiss ; — patient, 
when Caiaphas despitefully used Him; — patient, 
when hurried from one place to another ; — patient, 
when Herod with his men of war set Him at nought ; 
— patient, when Pilate so unrighteously condemned 
Him; — patient, when scourged and crowned with 
thorns ; — patient, when his cross was laid upon 
Him, when He was reviled, reproached, scoffed at, 
and every way abused. Lord Jesus, grant me 
patience, after this example, to bear thy holy will 
in all things. 

Christ's Love and Charity. 

Where shall we take our pattern, but from 
Thee? — Thou callest thy followers thy friends. 
Thou didst stoop down to wash their feet, who 
were not worthy to untie thy shoe. Thou didst 
forgive and restore Peter, when he had abjured 
Thee. Thou didst vouchsafe to satisfy Thomas, 
who would not believe but upon his own terms. 
Thou didst forgive and pray for thy bloody perse- 
cutors. O thou Fountain and Pattern of Love, 
grant that I may love Thee above all things, and 
my neighbour as myself. 



SACRA PRIVATA. 87 

SATURDAY MEDITATIONS. 

Preparation for Death. 

Deut. xxxii. 29. that they were wise> that they 
would consider their latter end. 

John ix. 4. The night cometh^ when no man can 
work. 

A very gracious intimation ; Lord, grant that I 
may never forget it; and that now, now is the time, 
in which to provide for eternity. 

What a wise man, then, when he comes to die, 
would wish he had done, that he ought to do forth- 
with; for death is at hand, and the consequences 
of a surprise most dreadful. He will then wish, if 
he has not done it, with all his soul : 

First ; That he had made a just and Christian 
settlement of his worldly concerns ; so as not to be 
distracted with the cares of this world, when all 
his thoughts should be upon another. 

Secondly; That he had made his peace with 
God by a timely repentance. 

Thirdly ; That he had faithfully discharged the 
duties of his calling. 

Fourthly ; That he had weaned his affections 
from things temporal, and loosened the ties which 
fasten us to the world. 

Fifthly ; That h^ had crucified the flesh with 
its affections and lusts ; so that being weary of this 
life, he might be more desirous of a better. 

Sixthly ; That by acts of justice, mercy, charity, 
and alms, he may be entitled to the mercy of 
God at the hour of death. 



88 SACRA PRIVATA. 

Seventhly; That he had got such habits of 
patience and resignation to the will of God, during 
his health, as may render death, with all the 
train of miseries leading to it, less frightful and 
amazing. 

Eighthly, and lastly; That, by a constant practice 
of devotion preparatory for death, he had learned 
what to pray for, what to hope for, what to de- 
pend on in his last sickness. 

And this, gracious Lord, is what I wish for, 
what I pray for, and what I purpose shall be the 
constant practice of my life. Amen. 

2 Kings xx. 1. Set thine house in order, for 
thou shalt die and not live. 

May God, who has every way provided for me, 
and put it into my power to be just to all men, 
charitable to the poor, grateful to my friends, kind 
to my servants, and a benefactor to the public : 
may He add this to all his favours, and grant that, 
in making my last will, I may faithfully discharge 
all these engagements ; and that for want of that, 
no curse may cleave to myself, or to any thing I 
shall leave behind me. Amen. 

But, above all things, I beg of Thee, O God, 
to enable me to set my inward house, my soul, 
in order, before I die. 

Give me true repentance for all the errors of 
my life past, and a stedfast faith in thy Son Jesus 
Christ ; that my sins may be done away by thy 
mercy, and my pardon sealed in heaven. 

Prov. xxviii. 13. Whoso conjesseth and forsaheth 
his sin, shall have mercy. 

Behold, O God, a creature, liable every mo- 
ment to death, prostrate before Thee, begging, 
for Jesus Christ's sake, that faith and repent- 



SACRA PRIVATA. 89 

ance to which Thou hast promised mercy and 
pardon. 

Discover to me, O Thou Searcher of Hearts, the 
charge that is against me ; that I may know, and 
confess, and bewail, and abhor, and forsake, and 
repent of, all the evils I have been guilty of. 

Have mercy upon me, have mercy upon me, 
most merciful Father, who desirest not the death 
of a sinner ; for thy Son Jesus Christ's sake, for- 
give me all that is past. 

And, O blessed Advocate, who art able to save 
them for ever who come unto God by Thee, see- 
ing Thou ever livest to make intercession for us, 
I put my cause into thy hands ; let thy power de- 
fend me ; thy blood and merits plead for me ; 
supply all the defects of my repentance ; procure 
for me a full discharge of all my sins before I die; 
and by thy mighty grace, confirm and strengthen 
me in all goodness during the remainder of my 
life, that my death may be a blessing to me, and 
that I may find mercy at the great day. Amen. 

Ephes. iv. 24. Put on the new man, which 
after God is created in righteousness and true 
holiness. 

This, O God, is what I desire and purpose by 
thy grace to do; and do again renew the vows 
which I have so often made and often broken. 

I renounce the devil and all his works; the 
vain pomp and glory of the world, with all co- 
vetous desires of the same, and the carnal desires of 
the flesh ; resolving, by thy grace, neither to follow 
nor be led by them. 

And, O God, assist me, that neither sloth nor 
corruption may ever make me lay aside or forget 
these resolutions ; but that I may live to Thee, — 
be an instrument of thy glory, by serving Thee 



90 SACRA PRIVATA. 

faithfully: and that I may be found so doing when 
Thou art pleased to call me hence, for Jesus 
Christ's sake. Amen. 

Col. iii. 2. Set your affections on things above, 
not on things on the earth. 

And may Almighty God, who alone can do it, 
effectually convince me of the vanity of all that is 
desirable in this present life, that I may not, like 
an unbeliever, look for happiness here. 

Give me, O Lord, a perfect indifference for the 
world, its profits, pleasures, honours, fame, and all 
its idols. 

Represent Thyself unto me as my true happi- 
ness, that I may love Thee with all my heart, and 
soul, and strength ; so that when I am called out 
of this world, I may rejoice in hope of going to 
the paradise of God, where the souls of the faith- 
ful enjoy rest and felicity, in hopes of a blessed 
resurrection, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. 
Amen. 

Luke ix. 23. If any man ivill come after me, 
let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, 
and follow me. 

Blessed Jesus, who pleasedst not Thyself, but 
tookest upon Thee the form of a servant, give me 
resolution to deny my inclinations for the good 
things of this world, even while I may command 
them; — to subdue my corrupt affections, and 
take revenge upon myself, for my intemperance, 
by mortification ; for mis-spending my time, by 
retirement; for the errors of my tongue, by 
silence ; — and for all the sins of my life, by a deep 
humiliation, patiently submitting to all the troubles 
with which Thou shalt think fit to exercise or 
punish me ; so that, being effectually w T eaned 
from this world, and weary of its corruptions, I 



SACRA PRIVATA. 91 

may long* to repose myself in the grave, in hopes 
of a better life, through thy mercy and merits, O 
Lord Jesus Christ. 

1 Pet. iv. 8. Charity covereth a multitude of 
sins. 

Possess my soul, O God, with a sincere love for 
Thee, and for all mankind. 

Let no malice or ill-will abide in me. Give me 
grace to forgive all that have offended me ; and 
forgive my many offences against Thee, and against 
my neighbour. 

Make me ever ready to give, and glad to dis- 
tribute, that thy gifts, passing through my hands, 
may procure for me the prayers of the poor ; and 
that I may lay up in store for myself a good foun- 
dation against the time to come, that I may attain 
eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen. 

Thy will be done. 

Fortify my soul, blessed Jesus, with the same 
spirit of submission with which Thou under- 
wentest the death of the cross, that I may receive 
all events with resignation to the will of God ; — 
that I may receive troubles, afflictions, disappoint- 
ments, sickness, and death itself, without amaze- 
ment; these being the appointment of thy justice 
for the punishment of sin, and of thy mercy, for the 
salvation of sinners. 

Let this be the constant practice of my life, to 
be pleased with all thy choices, that when sick- 
ness and death approach, I may be prepared to 
submit my will to the will of my Maker. 

And O that, in the mean time, my heart may 
always go along with my lips in this petition, — 
Thy will be done. Amen. 



92 SACRA PRIVATA. 

Heb. ix. 27. It is appointed unto men once to 
die ; but after this the judgment. 

May the thoughts of death, and of what must 
follow, by the grace of God, mortify in me all 
carnal security, and fondness for this world, and 
all that is in it, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the 
eye, and the pride of life. And O that I may make 
my calling- and election sure, that I may die in 
peace, and rest in the mansions of glory, in hopes 
of a blessed resurrection and a favourable judgment 
at the great clay. 

And may the consideration of a judgment to 
come oblige me to examine, to try and to judge 
myself, that I may prevent a severe judgment of 
God by a true repentance, and lead a life answer- 
able to true repentance, that I may find mercy at 
the great day. 

John v. 28, 29. All that are in the graves shall 
hear his voice, and come forth ; they that have done 
good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that 
have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. 

May that dreadful word oblige me to work out 
my salvation with fear and trembling, that, through 
the merits of Jesus Christ, I may escape that 
dreadful doom ! 

And may the hopes of heaven and happiness 
sweeten all the troubles of this mortal life ! 

O Lord Jesus, who hast redeemed us with thy 
precious blood, make me to be numbered with thy 
saints in glory everlasting. Amen. 

let my name be found written in the Lamb's 
Book of Life at the great day ! 

1 thank Thee, O Lord, for all the favours of 
my life, and especially for that Thou hast vouchsafed 
me time and a will to think of and prepare for 
deaths while I am in my full strength, while I may 



SACRA PRIVATA, 93 

redeem my mis-spent time, and bring forth fruits 
meet for repentance. 

Let us consider death as a punishment to which, 
as sinners, we are justly condemned. 

But then let us look on it in another view, 
namely, as a sacrifice for sin, which God will mer- 
cifully accept of, in union with that of his Son, if 
we submit to it as due to our offences. 

It being a sacrifice, it ought to be voluntary; — 
being a debt, it ought to be made out of love to 
justice; — and, being a satisfaction, we must be 
humbly resigned. 

My God, I humbly submit to it, and to thy 
justice ; and trust in thy mercy, and goodness, and 
promises, both now, and at the hour of death. 

Death is inevitable; the time uncertain; the 
judgment, which follows, without appeal; and fol- 
lowed by an eternity of happiness or misery. 

Lord, grant that I may consider this as I ought 
to do. 

Let me remember that I shall come forth out of 
the grave just as I go in : either the object of God's 
mercy, or of his wrath, to all eternity. 

He lives to no purpose, who is not glorifying 
God. 

Our greatest hopes should lie beyond the grave. 

No man must go to heaven when he dies, who 
has not sent his heart thither while he lives. 

Our greatest security is to be derived from duty, 
and our only confidence from the mercy of God 
through Jesus Christ. 

Sickness, if you consider it as painful to nature, 
and not a favour from God, will be a torment to 
you. To make it really comfortable, believe it to 
be ordered by a loving Father, a wise Physician : 
that it is the effect of his mercy for our salvation ; 
that, being fastened to the cross, you become 



94 SACRA PRIVATA. 

dearer to God, as being most like his own Son. 
God will loose you when it is best for you. 

We often hinder our recovery by trusting to 
physic more than to God ; means succeed just as 
far as God pleases ; if He send diseases as a re- 
medy to cure the diseases of the soul, He only can 
cure them ; — while you are chastened, you are 
sure God loves you ; — you are not sure of that 
when you are without chastisement. 

A timely preparation for death frees us from the 
fear of death, and from all other fears. 

A true Christian is neither fond of life, nor 
weary of it. 

The sting of death is sin ; therefore, a holy life 
is the only cure for the fear of death. We ought 
to fear sin more than death, because death cannot 
hurt us but by sin. 

Phil. i. 21. To me to die is gain. 

O that I may be able to say this, when I come 
to die : and so I shall, if I live as becomes a 
Christian. 

Holiness being a necessary qualification for hap- 
piness, it follows, that the holiest man will be the 
happiest, (for there are certain degrees of glory ;) 
therefore a Christian should lose no time to gain 
all the degrees of virtue and holiness he possibly 
can; and he that does not do so, is in a fair way of 
not being happy at all. 

It concerns us more than our life is worth, to 
know what will become of us when we die. 

Who will pretend to say that he is not in a very 
few days to die ? 

The only happiness of this life is to be secure of 
a blessed eternity. 

Now is the time in which we are to choose 
where and what we are to be to all eternity; 



SACRA PRIVATA. 95 

there is, therefore, no time to be lost to make this 
choice. 

No kind of death is to be feared by him who 
lives well. 

If we consider death as the night of that day 
which is given us to work in, in which to work out 
our salvation ; and that, when the night is come, 
no man can work ; how frightful must death be 
to such as are not prepared for it ! And if w T e 
consider it as the beginning of eternity, it is still 
more dreadful. It is for this reason called the 
King of Terrors; and the Psalmist, when he 
would express the worst of evils, saith, The terrors 
of death are fallen upon me. 

Judges xiii. 23. If the Lord were pleased to 
kill us, he would not have received a burnt- offering 
at our hands, neither would he have showed us all 
these things. 

This is the comfort of all God's servants ; if He 
gives them opportunities of renewing their vows, 
and a will to do them ; if He accepts their alms, 
and their good deeds — that is, gives them a heart 
to do such ; — if He touches their hearts with a sense 
of their umvorthiness ;• — if He chastens them with 
afflictions ; — if He visits them with his Holy Spirit, 
&c. : — all these are reasons for a Christian to hope 
that these graces are not in vain, but that God will 
crown them with pardon, favour, and happiness 
eternal. 

Matt. xxv. 6. And at midnight there was a cry 
made. Behold, the bridegroom cometh : go ye out to 
meet him. 

A terrible voice to all such as shall meet him, 
not as a bridegroom, but as an inexorable Judge. 

Grant, O Lord, that I may not be of the num- 



96 SACRA PRIVATA. 

ber of those who dread thy coming-, who cannot 
but with regret submit to the necessity of dying-, 
and who have neglected to prepare for death till 
the last hour. 

Matt. xxv. 10. And the door ivas shut. 

Death shuts the door. No more is to be done. 
It is then too late to repent, to resolve, to promise, 
and to do any thing. 

Matt. xxv. 13. Watch, therefore ; for ye know 
neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of Man 
cometh. 

A person, whose life is full of good works, 
whose heart is devoted to God, whose faith and 
hope are pure and sincere, will never be surprised 
by death. 

Matt, xxvii. 50. Jesus Christ yielded up the 
ghost. 

And so his death became a voluntary sacri- 
fice. Let mine be so, O blessed Jesus ! Let thy 
death sanctify me ; and let my spirit be received 
with thine ! 

Rom. v. 1. Being justified by faith, we have 
peace with God> through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Give me, O Lord, that desire and earnest long- 
ing, which I ought to have for the happy moment 
which is to release me from this state of banish- 
ment, and translate me to a better place, and grant 
that I may never lose the sight of that important 
moment. 

Let me, O God, have my lot and portion with 
thy saints. 

When we come to die, the great enemy of our 
souls will then attack us with all his stratagems. 
It is good, therefore, to be prepared. 



SACRA PRIVATA. 97 

If he attacks your faith, say with St. Paul, / 
know whom I have believed; and I am persuaded 
that he is able to keep that which I have committed 
unto him against that day. 

I believe in God the Father, who hath made me 
and all the world. 

I believe in God the Son, who hath redeemed 
me and all mankind. 

I believe in God the Holy Ghost, who sanctifieth 
me and all the elect people of God. 

I give Thee hearty thanks, O Heavenly Father, 
that Thou hast vouchsafed to call me to the know- 
ledge of thy grace and faith in Thee. Confirm 
this faith in me evermore, — grant that I may die 
in this faith, and in the peace and communion of 
the Holy Church ; and that I may be united to 
Jesus the head of this Church, and to all his mem- 
bers, by a love that shall never end. Amen. 

John iii. 15. Whosoever believe th in Jesus ^Christ 
shall not perish, but have eternal life. 

I believe;— Lord, increase my faith; and let it 
be unto thy servant according to this word. 

Luke xxiii. 43. This day shalt thou be with me 
in paradise. 

O blessed Jesus ! support my spirit when I 
come to die, with this comfortable promise, This 
day shalt thou be in paradise. 

We indeed suffer justly the sentence of death. 
O Thou, who didst nothing amiss, and yet didst 
suffer for me ; remember me, Lord, now that 
Thou art in thy kingdom. 

What terror, what affliction, can equal that of 
a Christian, who has never thought of weaning 
his heart from the world till he comes to die ; who 
can find nothing in this life, but what must render 

[323] f 



98 SACRA PRIVATA. 

him unworthy of mercy ! but the greatest of all 
miseries would be to despair of mercy, and not to 
have recourse to it. 

Need a person, who has received the sentence of 
death, be persuaded to prepare for death? And is 
not this our case ? 

Consider death as appointed by God, as a 
necessary penance, — as the completion of the 
Christian sacrifice, — as a passage to a better life, — 
as the deliverance of a prisoner, — as the recalling 
of an exile from banishment, — as the end of all 
miseries: — and then you will strip it of much of 
that terror which it has when considered as an 
accident to nature only. 

Luke xii. 36. And ye yourselves like unto men 
that wait for their lord. 

He who waits for his master will always endea- 
vour to be in that state in which he desires to be 
found. 

A Christian should not look upon death with 
anxiety, but with the satisfaction of a good ser- 
vant, who waits with impatience for his master's 
return, in hopes of being approved of. 

Luke xii. 40. Be ye also ready, for the Son of 
man cometh at an hour when ye think not. 

And are not so many sudden deaths sufficient to 
convince us of the folly of assuring ourselves of 
one day ? Let every one of us, therefore, count 
himself of the number of those that are to be sur- 
prised by death ; this will make us watchful. 

Luke xii. 43. Blessed is that servant, whom his 
lord, when he cometh, shall find so doing ; that is, 
doing his duty. 

And then, miserable will he be whom death 
surpriseth either doing evil, or doing nothing, or 



SACRA PRIVATA. 99 

doing that which God does not require of him. 
Can one imagine, that the generality of Christians 
believe this truth? Suffer me not, O God, to 
fall into forgetfulness of it. 

We complain, saith Seneca, of the shortness of 
life; he answers. Vita, si scias uti, longa est — 
Life is long, if you know how to use it. But then 
it is Christianity only can teach us how to use our 
life ; namely, in working out our own salvation* 
And we are sure it is long enough for that, be- 
cause God has appointed it for that very end. 

As Christianity alone can take from us the love 
of life, so it is this alone that can free us from the 
fear of death. 

Eternity adds an infinite weight to all our 
actions, whether good or bad. 

If we desire that bur death should, like that of 
Jesus Christ, be a sacrifice of love and obedience, 
we must take care to make our life so too. 

Acts ix. 36. This woman was full of good works, 
and alms-deeds ; and she died. 

Happy that soul which death finds rich, not in 
gold, furniture, learning, reputation, or barren 
purposes and desires, but in good works. 

Acts vii. 59. And they stoned Stephen, calling 
upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my 
spirit ! 

O my God, enable me to live to Thee ; that 
when the hour of death shall come, I may thus with 
confidence offer up my spirit to Jesus Christ. 

Rev. iii. 3. Thou shalt not know ivhat hour I 
will come upon thee. 

Is it not, then, the highest presumption to 

f 2 



100 SACRA PRIVATA. 

persuade ourselves that we have always time suffi- 
cient, when Jesus Christ Himself declares that we 
have not one moment certain ? 

Death being the effect and punishment of sin, 
we ought to expect it with great submission, since 
it honours God by expiating of sin, and saves the 
man by punishing the sinner. 

It is purely for want of faith, that we tremble at 
the approach of our deliverer ; and which is to 
destroy in us the reign of sin, and instate us in 
that of glory. 

Let us resign up ourselves to God as to the 
manner in which it shall please Him to determine 
our lives, praying only that it may be to his glory 
and our salvation. 

What does it signify how this house of clay 
perisheth, which hinders the perfect renovation of 
the soul, and the sight of God ? 

2 Cor. v. 1. For we know, that if our earthly 
house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a 
building of God, a house not made with hands, 
eternal in the heavens. 

We know, we believe, we promise ourselves 
this, but we think too seldom of it, and we still 
make less use of what we know, in order to wean 
our hearts from this world. 

Would we look upon our bodies as houses of 
clay just ready to fall, we should think of that 
eternal house, we should sigh after our native 
country, and be willing to leave a place of misery 
and banishment. 

Remember that death is the punishment of sin ; 
we ought therefore to resign ourselves up to it in 
a Christian manner, looking upon ourselves as 
condemned to it in Adam. 

He who has lived and looked on earth as in a 



SACRA PRIVATA. 101 

place of banishment, will look upon death as a 
gracious deliverance from it. 

Consider well, that life is given and continued 
for no other end, but to glorify God in working 
out our own salvation. 

A man goes with confidence to meet the bride- 
groom, when he has been faithful to him, and be- 
lieves him to be his friend. 

Heb. ii. 15. And deliver them who through fear 
of death were all their life long subject to bondage. 

Bondage is the sentence of rebellious slaves ; — 
we were condemned to it in Adam ; and being 
under this sentence of death and the Divine justice, 
we ought to expect it with submission, and be 
always preparing for it. This is the only way to 
be secure, and from fearing death when it comes. 

Gather us, O God, to the number of thine 
elect, at what time and in what manner Thou 
pleasest; — only let us be without reproach, and 
blameless ; — let faith, and love, and peace, accom- 
pany our last periods. 

We look upon a body without a soul with horror. 
We can see a body with a soul, which is like to die 
eternally, without concern. 

Wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me 
from the body of this death? I thank God (I am 
delivered) through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Grant, O Lord, that though my outward man 
decay daily, yet that my inward man may grow 
and increase in piety and virtue unto the day of 
my death. 

He that hath lived best will stand in need of 
mercy at the hour of death, and in the day of 
judgment; and he that hath lived the worst, has 
not sinned beyond the efficacy of the blood of 
Christ, provided his repentance be sincere. 



102 SACRA PRIVATA. 

My God ! let thy glory be magnified by saving 
a sinner, by redeeming a captive slave, by en- 
lightening a heart overwhelmed in darkness, by 
changing a wicked heart, by pardoning innume- 
rable transgressions, iniquities, and sins. 

If my hopes were placed upon any thing but 
the infinite mercies of God, in Jesus Christ, which 
can never fail, I should utterly despair. 

Acts ii. 21. Whosoever shall call on the name 
of the Lord shall be saved. 

These, my God, are thine own words ; give me 
leave to trust in them, to depend on them, both 
now, and at the hour of death. 

John xvii. 4. / have finished the work which 
thou gavest me to do. 

O Lord, the very best of men come infinitely 
short of this pattern; how then shall I, an un- 
profitable servant, appear before my Lord and 
Judge ! 

Gen. iii. 15. The seed of the woman shall bruise 
the serpent's head. 

This, my God, is thy sure, thy eternal promise ; 
I believe it; I trust in it; I will hold me fast by it. 

- Luke xxii. 42. Nevertheless, not my will, but 
thine be done. 

May I, O blessed Jesus, when my death ap- 
proaches, breathe out my last with these words, 
and with the same spirit of submission. 

Death of Friends. 

Let us cast our eyes upon sin, which is the cause 
of death, and then we shall weep with reason. 



SACRA PR1VATA. 103 

Preserve in us a lively sense of the world to 
come. 

And when I shall not be able to pray for myself 
the good Lord favourably hear the prayers of his 
Church for me. 

Grant that the sins which I have committed in 
this world may not be imputed unto me ; but that, 
escaping the gates of hell, I may dwell in the re- 
gions of light with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, 
until the day of the general resurrection, and that 
I may then hear those joyful words of thy 
Son, — 

Come, ye blessed children of my Father, inherit 
the kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of 
the world. 

Grant that I may have a perfect conquest over 
the world, sin, and death, through Christ, who by 
his death hath overcome him who hath the power 
of death. 

Luke xxiii. 43. This day shalt thou be with me 
in paradise. 

O Jesus, who hadst compassion on this thief, 
even at the hour of death, have mercy upon me, 
who now repent of all my misdoings. Suffer not 
the gates of paradise to be shut against me when I 
die, Thou that hast opened the kingdom of Heaven 
to all believers. 

Restore my soul at the great day to life eternal. 

Give me the patience of Job, the faith of 
Abraham, the courage of Peter, and the comfort of 
Paul, and a true submission to thy will. 

Apply to my soul all the wholesome medicines 
of thy Son's passion, death, and resurrection, 
against the powers of Satan, against all unrea- 
sonable fears and despair, and ease my fearful 
conscience. 



104 SACRA PRIVATA. 

Hear the prayers of thy Church for me, and for 
all in my condition, for Jesus Christ's sake. 

Psa. Ixxi. 9. Cast me not away in the time of 
age, forsake me not when my strength faileth me. 

Grant, O Lord, that the end of my life may be 
truly Christian; without sin, without shame, and, 
if it so please Thee, without pain. 

Psa. lxxiii. 26. My flesh and my heart faileth, 
but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion 
for ever. 

1 Sam. iii. 18. It is the Lord; let him do what 
seemeth him good. 

Lord, be merciful unto me, heal my soul, for I 
have sinned against Thee. 

I confess my wickedness, and am sorry for my 
sin. 

For thy name's sake, O Lord, be merciful unto 
my sin, for it is great. 

The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a con- 
trite heart, and will save such as are of an humble 
spirit. 

Psa. xxxix. 8. And now, Lord, what is my 
hope ? truly my hope is in thee. 

Psa. ciii. 14. Lord, thou knowest whereof we are 
made ; that we are but dust. 

Let my misery, my fear, my sorrow, move Thee 
to compassion. 

Despise not, O Lord, the work of thine own 
hands. 

I freely forgive all that have offended me. 

O Thou that never failest them that seek Thee, 
have pity on me. 



SACRA PRIVATA. 105 

Nevertheless, though I am sometimes afraid, yet 
put I my trust in Thee. 

O Lord, I beseech Thee, deliver my soul. 
Gracious is the Lord, and righteous ; yea, our 
God is merciful. 

O go not far from me, for trouble is at hand, and 
there is none to help me. 

The sorrows of my heart are enlarged ; O bring 
Thou me out of my troubles. 

O keep my soul, and deliver me; let me not be 
confounded, for I have put my trust in Thee. 

Withdraw not thy mercy from me, O Lord ; 
let thy lovingkindness and thy truth always pre- 
serve me. 

O Lord, let it be thy pleasure to deliver me; 
make haste, O Lord, to help me. 

Show thy servant the light of thy countenance, 
and save me for thy mercy's sake. 

O deliver me, for I am helpless and poor, and 
my heart is wounded within me. 

Wherefore hidest Thou thy face, and forgettest 
our misery and trouble? 

My God ! save thy servant, who putteth his 
trust in Thee. 

Thou, O Lord, art full of compassion and 
mercy, long-suffering, plenteous in goodness and 
in truth. 

When I am in heaviness I will think upon God; 
when my heart is vexed, I will complain. 

Will the Lord absent Himself for ever? Will 
he be no more entreated ? 

Hath God forgotten to be gracious ? And I said, 
It is mine own infirmity : but I will remember the 
years of the right hand of the Most High. 

Luke xii. 33. Sell all that ye have, and give unto 
the poor. That is, renounce all the pleasures that 
wealth affords, rather than defraud the poor and 
f3 



106 SACRA PRIVATA. 

distressed of their right: — -it is utterly impossible 
to take delight in wealth, and love God with all 
the soul. 

Matt. xxv. 40. Forasmuch (for as often) as ye 
have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, 
ye have done it unto me. 

As often ? — who then would miss any occasion ? 
The least? — who then would despise any object? 
To me? — So that in serving the poor, we serve 
Jesus Christ. O comfortable declaration ! 

Mark ix. 41. Whosoever shall give you a cup of 
water to drink in my name, because ye belong to 
Christ: — verily, (with an oath He assures us) he 
shall not lose his reward. 

This should always, if possible, be our intention : 
This poor, oppressed, miserable man belongs to 
Christ. This would wonderfully enhance the value 
of our good deeds before God. 

Alms. 

1 Cor. xiii. 3. And though I bestow all my goods 
to feed the poor, and have not charity, it profiteth 
nothing. 

If external acts of charity do not proceed from 
charity, that is, from a love of God, and of our 
neighbour for his sake, they are as nothing in the 
sight of God. My God, pour into my heart this 
most excellent gift of charity, the very bond of 
peace, and of all virtue. 

Gal. vi. 10. Let us do good unto all men. 

He who seeks for Jesus Christ in his poor, in 
order to relieve and assist him, will not be too 
solicitous to find any other merit in them than that 
of Jesus Christ. 



SACRA PRIVATA. 107 

For our earthly things, O Lord, give us hea- 
venly ; for temporal, eternal. 

Luke iii. 11. He that hath two coats, let him 
impart to him that hath none. 

That is, let him that hath plenty, and to spare, 
of the necessaries of life, let him give to him that 
wants. 

The proportion of charity appointed by God 
himself to his own people, for the relief of the 
poor, was every year a thirtieth part of all their 
income, or a tenth every third year. 

This was the Jew's proportion. He that came 
short of this was the breaker of the law, and, with- 
out repentance and restitution, had no hope of 
pardon. 

The Christian's proportion ought to be greater, 
as his hopes and rewards will be greater. 

We should, in all our charities, direct our eye 
towards Christ in his members; it is this which 
heightens the smallest gifts. Men reward what 
is done on human motives ; God, such as are done 
for his sake. 

He that for his good actions expects the ap- 
plause of men, runs the hazard of losing the reward 
of God. 

The poor are, as it were, the receivers of the 
rights and dues belonging unto God; we must 
have a care of defrauding them. 

Luke xi. 41. But rather give alms of such 
things as you have, (or as you are able,) and all 
things are clean to you. That is, proportion your 
alms to your estate, lest God proportion your 
estate to your alms. 

It is a necessary Christian duty (whatever men 



108 SACRA PR1VATA. 

think of it) to part with our worldly enjoyments 
for the sake of Christ. 

The very best of men are only instruments in 
God's hands, to receive and to give what God be- 
stows upon them. And this they should do, with- 
out any desire of glory or self-interest. 

Let us make light of money and riches, and 
send it before us into the heavenly treasures, 
where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt; but 
where it will be kept to our eternal advantage, 
under the custody of God Himself. 

Thou, O Lord, hast been all mercy to me ; grant 
that I may be all mercy to others, for Christ's sake. 

Remember to give to those that are ashamed to 
ask; and do not forget your poor relations, lest 
you be worse than an infidel. 

Rom. xii. 8. He thai sheweth mercy, let him do 
it with cheerfulness. 

The good Lord preserve me from vanity, and 
from seeking applause for my charity. 

Not unto me, but unto Thee, O God, be the 
thanks, and praise, and glory. 

The merits of the poor are not to be the rule of 
our charity. God Himself maketh the sun to shine 
upon the evil and the good. 

If we would but moderate our vanity, we should 
always have enough for charity. 

Send thy blessing upon my substance, and con- 
tinue to me a willing mind to help such as have 
need, according to my ability. 

Good advice, and devout petitions, should accom- 
pany our charity. 

O God, who knowest the necessities of all thy 
creatures, give thy poor the spiritual things they 
stand in need of. 



SACRA PRIVATA. 109 

Support thy poor members, O Jesu, under all 
their difficulties, and sanctify their bodily wants to 
the salvation of their souls. 

Lord, grant they may bear their poor estate 
with patience and resignation, and that we may 
one day meet in the paradise of God. 

Jesus Christ is continually humbled in his mem- 
bers; some are poor, in prison, sick, naked, hun- 
gry, &c. Let me, O Lord, see, and help Thee in 
all these objects. 

A man that has faith will be glad to discharge 
himself of some part of the burthen of temporal 
goods, in order to secure those that are eternal; 
and to be in some measure the preserver of his 
brethren, 

Psa. cxii. 5. A good (a charitable) man will 
guide his affairs with discretion; that is, he will 
cut off and retrench all needless expenses in ap- 
parel, diet, diversions, &c, that he may give to him 
that needeth. 

Let your alms be in secret as much as may be. 

Charity ; or, the Love of God and our Neighbour, 

It is but the first essay of charity to give alms. 
Whoever shows mercy to men, will certainly 
receive mercy from God. 

1 John iii. 15. Whosoever hateth his brother is a 
murderer. 

A man has already killed him in his heart, 
whose life is grievous to him, and at whose death 
he would rejoice. 

1 John iii. 14. He that loveth not his brother 
abideth in death. 



110 SACRA PRIVATA. 

Can we believe that it is God that saith this, 
and delay one moment to be reconciled? 

It is not enough to love our brethren ; we must 
love them upon a principle of faith, in the name, 
for the sake, and as members, of Jesus Christ. 

Luke vi. 37. Forgive, and it shall be forgiven 
you. 

Give me, O my God, a heart fall of Christian 
meekness and charity, that I may willingly forget 
the evil I have received, and be always disposed to 
do good to others. 

We love our neighbour after a Christian man- 
ner, when we love him for God's sake, and for 
God's sake do him good. 



SACRA PRIVATA. 1 1 1 



THE LITANY. 



O God the Father of Heaven; have mercy 
upon me, keep and defend me. 

O God the Son, Redeemer of the world ; have 
mercy upon me, save and deliver me. 

O God the Holy Ghost; have mercy upon me, 
strengthen and comfort me. 

Remember not, Lord, mine offences, nor the 
offences of my forefathers; neither take Thou 
vengeance of our sins : Spare us, good Lord 5 
spare thy people whom Thou hast redeemed with 
thy most precious blood, and be not angry with us 
for ever. 

From thy wrath and heavy indignation; from 
the guilt and burthen of my sins ; from the dread- 
ful sentence of the last judgment; 
Good Lord, deliver me. 

From the sting and terrors of conscience ; from 
impatience, distrust, and despair ; from extremity 
of sickness and pain, which may withdraw 7 my mind 
from God ; 

Good Lord) deliver me. 

From the bitter pangs of eternal death; from 
the gates of hell ; from the powers of darkness ; 
and from the illusions of Satan ; 
Good Lord, deliver me. 

By thy manifold and great mercies; by thy 
manifold and great merits; by thine agony and 
bloody sweat ; by thy bitter cross and passion ; by 
thy mighty resurrection ; by thy glorious ascension 
and most acceptable intercession; and by the 
graces of the Holy Ghost ; 
Good Lord, deliver me. 



112 SACRA PRIVATA. 

For the glory of thy name ; for thy loving mercy 
and truth's sake ; 

Good Lord, deliver me. 

In my last and greatest need ; in the hour of 
death; and in the day of judgment; 
Good Lord, deliver me. 

As Thou hast delivered all thy saints and servants 
which call upon Thee in their extremity ; 

Good Lord, deliver me ; — and receive my soul 
for thy mercy's sake. 

Be merciful unto me, and forgive me all my sins, 
which by the malice of the devil, or by my own 
frailty, I have at any time of my life committed 
against Thee. 

Lay not to my charge what, in the lust of the 
eye, the pride of life, or vanity, I have committed 
against Thee. 

Lay not to my charge what, by an angry spirit, 
by vain and idle words, by foolish jesting, I have 
committed against Thee. 

Make me partaker of all thy mercies and pro- 
mises in Christ Jesus. 

Vouchsafe my soul a place of rest in the para- 
dise of God, with all thy blessed saints; and my 
body a part in the blessed resurrection. 

O Lord God, Lamb of God, that takest away 
the sins of the world ; 

Have mercy upon me. 

Thou that takest away the sins of the world; 
Grant me thy peace. 

Thou that sittest at the right hand of God ; 
Have mercy upon me. 

Have mercy upon me, and receive my prayer ; 
even the prayer which thou hast taught me ; — 
Our Father, which art in heaven, §c. 

O Lord, deal not with me after my sins; neither 
reward me after mine iniquities. 



SACRA PRIVATA. 1 13 

God, merciful Father, that despisest not the 
sighing* of a contrite heart, nor the desires of such 
as be sorrowful ; mercifully assist my prayers 
which I make before Thee, at such times espe- 
cially as I am preparing for death and for eter- 
nity. And, O Lord, graciously hear me, that 
those evils, those illusions, and assaults, which 
my great enemy worketh against me, may be 
brought to nought, and by the providence of thy 
goodness they may be dispersed ; that thy servant, 
being delivered from all temptations, may give 
thanks to Thee, with thy holy Church, to all 
eternity. Amen. 

Let us endeavour by a timely repentance, to 
prevent the reproaches which otherwise our con- 
sciences will cast upon us at the hour of death. 

The Support of a Penitent at the hour 
of Death. 

John iii. 16. God so loved the icorld, that he 
gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believetli 
in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 

1 John ii. L We have an Advocate wiili the 
Father, Jesus Christ the righteous, — who came 
into the world to save sinners, — who died for us 
when we were his enemies, that He might offer us 
unto God. 

It is our Judge Himself who hath assured us r 
that all sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of 
men. 

Ejaculations. 

Take from me all evil imaginations, — all im- 
purity of thought, — all inclinations to lust, — all 
envy, pride, and hypocrisy, — all falsehood, deceit, 
and an irregular life, — all covetousness, vain-glory. 



114 SACRA PRIVATA. 

and sloth, — all malice, anger, and wrath, — all 
remembrance of injuries, — every thing that is con- 
trary to thy will, O most holy God. . 

May I never hear with pleasure, nor ever repeat, 
such things as may dishonour God, or injure my 
neighbour, or my own character. 

O give me light to see, a heart to close with, 
and power to do, thy will, O God. 

Love of God, fyc. 

Bless me, O God 9 with the love of Thee, and of 
my neighbour. Give me peace of conscience, the 
command of my affections; and, for the rest. Thy 
will be done. 

O King of Peace, give us thy peace, keep us in 
love and charity. 

Make Thyself, O God, the absolute master of 
my heart. 

They that be whole need not a physician. 

It belongs to Thee, O Sovereign Physician, to 
make us sensible of our maladies, and to make us 
go to Thee for help. O say unto my soul this 
word of salvation, Behold, thou art made whole. 

Without me ye can do nothing. Miserable, in- 
deed, is he who pretends to walk without Thee. 
O give me light to see, a heart to close with, and a 
power to do, thy will. From thy Spirit I hope to 
receive these graces. 

John xii. 26. If any man serve me, let him follow 
me, and him will my Father honour. 

Let me never flatter myself that I serve Thee, 
my Saviour, unless I follow thy example at the 
expense of every thing I love or fear besides. O 
keep my heart fixed upon that honour which God 
has prepared for those that follow Thee. 



SACRA PRIVATA. 115 

O Divine Spirit, render me worthy of thy pre- 
sence and consolation. 

Fill my heart with a holy dread of thy judg- 
ments. 

Give me a true sense and knowledge of the 
danger and the evil of sin ; and may I, with a pru- 
dent moderation, only, be concerned for temporal 
things. 

Jesus Christ is always in His temple, and near 
you (if your soul be fit for Him to dwell in) ; to 
Him apply on all occasions : 

As your Master; for grace to study, to love, and 
to follow his instructions. He requires nothing 
but what He first practised Himself: 

As your Lord; that you may love and serve Him 
faithfully, and fulfil all his commands : 

As your Pattern; that you may follow his ex- 
ample, and imitate his virtues : 

As your Saviour ; that He may be your refuge 
and confidence, your strength and support, your 
peace and consolation, your Saviour now and at 
the hour of death: 

As your King ; that He may give laws to your 
soul, and that you may surrender yourself to 
his commands; and never rebel, or resist his 
authority : 

As your Shepherd. Keep me in thy flock by 
thy almighty grace. I am one of the lost sheep 
which Thou earnest to seek. Take me under thy 
care, and restore me to thy fold. Increase thy 
flock for the honour of thy name. 



Wilful Sin. 

Let me rather choose to die, than to sin against 
my conscience. 



116 SACRA PRIVATA. 



Penitence. 

I am ashamed to come before Thee ; but I must 
come or perish. I know that Thou art angry with 
me for my sins, but I know too that Thou pitiest 
me ; or why do I yet live ? Make me full of sorrow 
for my sin, and full of hopes for thy mercy and 
pardon. Look upon the infirmities of thy ser- 
vant, and consider his weakness. Sensible of my 
own sad condition, weak and miserable, sinful 
and ignorant, liable to eternal death, I prostrate 
myself before Thee, imploring thy help and 
pardon. 

Gracious God, never abandon me to the opposi- 
tion I shall at any time make to thy grace. 

Blessed be God, that He has so often prevented 
me, and not left me to the desires of my own 
heart. 

Put a stop to the torrent of wickedness and 
profaneness, which carries all before it. 

I confess my sins to Thee, O God ! do Thou 
hide them from all the world. 

Eternity. Lord, imprint upon my heart a lively 
idea of eternity, that the sorrowful passages of this 
life which are so uneasy and frightful to nature, 
may vanish, or be borne with patience. 

Example. Pardon my sin, aud forgive all such 
as have been misled by any evil example of mine. 

Matt. v. 48. Be ye perfect, even as your Father 
which is in heaven is perfect. 

O Divine Repairer of our corrupt nature, may 
thy all-powerful grace make me as perfect as Thou 
hast commanded me to be ! 



SACRA PRIVATA. 117 



Holiness. 

God, who hast called me to holiness, give 
me a firm faith in thy power through our Lord 
Jesus Christ, that, by his assistance, I may get 
the mastery over all my sins and corruptions ; that 
I may be redeemed from all iniquity; that I may 
be holy, as He who has called me is holy. 

Possess my soul with an earnest desire of plea- 
ing Thee, and with the fear of offending Thee. 

Let me be ever ready to forgive injuries, and 
backward to offer any. 

Give me, O Lord, faith and patience, that I may 
neither murmur at thy appointments, nor be angry 
against the instruments of thy justice. 

Deliver me from the errors and vices of the age 
I live in : from infidelity, wicked principles, from 
profaneness, heresies, schism. 

1 most heartily thank Thee, O God, for thy per- 
petual care of me, for all thy mercies bestowed 
upon me, for the blessings of nature, and of grace. 

Grant, O God, that I may never receive thy 
grace in vain, but that I may live like one who 
believes, and hopes for the joys of heaven. 

Let me ever be sorry for my sins, thankful for 
thy blessings, fear thy judgments, love thy mercies, 
remember thy presence, 

Give me an humble mind, a godly fear, and a 
quiet conscience. Weaken, O Lord, the power 
of Satan in this place, and the tyranny of his 
ministers. 

In time of Pestilence or Danger. 

Set thy saving mark upon our houses, and give 
order to the destroyer not to hurt us. 



118 SACRA PRIVATA. 

John xvi. 23. Verily, verily, I say unto you, 
whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name. He 
will give it you. 

Upon this promise, blessed Lord, I depend; 
beseeching Thee, O Heavenly Father, for thy 
dear Son's sake, to give me the graces I most 
stand in need of. 

After Prayers. 

Vouchsafe us those graces and blessings which 
Thou knowest to be needful for us, notwithstand- 
ing our great unworthiness. 

Riches. — Shut my heart, O Lord, against the 
love of worldly riches, lest I betray Thee, as 
Judas did. 

May thy Holy Spirit, O God, fill my heart, that 
it may appear in all my words and actions that I 
am governed by it. 

Luke x. 33. And when he saw him, he had com- 
passion on him. 

O Jesus, the true Samaritan, look upon the 
wounds which sin hath caused in my soul, and 
have compassion on me. 

May I always resign my will and my desires to 
Him who knows what is good for us, better than 
we ourselves do. 

Holy Scriptures. 

Give me, O God, a sincere love for the truths 
of the Gospel, a teachable heart, and an obedient 
will. 

Perseverance.- — Finish, O my God, the works 
of mercy and conversion, which Thou hast begun 
in me. 



SACRA PRIVATA. 119 

Save, O Lord Jesus, a soul which Thou hast 
redeemed by thy blood. 

There is no merit in me, O God, to attract thy 
mercy and goodness, but only my great misery 
and blindness. May I make a suitable return by 
a holy life. 

According to the greatness of thy goodness, and 
the multitude of thy mercies, look upon me. 

Sanctify my soul and body with thy heavenly 
blessings, that they may be made thy holy habita- 
tion, and that nothing may be found in me, that 
may offend the eyes of thy majesty. 

Protect and keep me in the midst of the dangers 
of this corrupt world ; and by thy light and grace 
direct me in the way to everlasting life, through 
Jesus Christ. 

Morning. — I laid me down and slept, and rose 
again, for the Lord sustained me. Blessed be the 
name of the Lord. 

Raise me up, O Lord, at the last day, to life and 
happiness everlasting. 

Blessed be the Lord for his mercies renewed 
unto me every morning. 

that my eyes may ever be fixed upon the ex- 
ample that our blessed Lord hath left us, and that 
I may daily endeavour to follow him. Amen. 

Night. — May the Saviour and Guardian of my 
soul take me under his protection this night and 
evermore. 

1 Cor vii. 35. Attend upon the Lord without 
distraction. 

O Holy Spirit of grace, help my infirmities, that 
I may fix my thoughts upon my duty ; and that I 
may serve Thee with all my heart and mind. 

That I may never give way to wandering 
thoughts, but watch against them continually. 



120 SACRA PRIVATA. 

Look upon me, O Lord, and pity me ; make me 
and let me be thine by the choice of my will. 

Make me serious and thoughtful at all times, 
that I may not fail being- so when I attend upon 
God. 

Let not my heart, O God, be inclined to any 
evil thing. Keep me, O God, from every thing 
that may displease Thee. O make me wise unto 
salvation. 

Phil. iv. 13. I can do all things through Christ, 
which strengtheneth me. 

O that I may never forfeit this power by pre- 
sumption or want of faith. 

John xx. 28. Thomas said, My Lord and my 
God. 

Thou art, indeed, O Jesus, My Lord, for Thou 
hast redeemed me by thy precious blood : Thou 
art my God, for I am dedicated to Thee, and 
sanctified by thy Spirit. 

Acts ii. 44. And all that believed were together, 
and had all things common. 

My God, grant that, as we are all members of 
the same body, have one and the same Father, the 
same Saviour, the same Spirit, and hope to meet 
in the same paradise, we may live in unity and 
godly love, and be charitable according to our 
ability. 

The good Lord grant that in the day of Christ I 
may rejoice that I have not run in vain, nor 
laboured in vain. 



COLLECTS, THEIR TENDENCY. 



1 Sunday after Ascension. 
Whitsunday. 
19 after Trinity. 

J St. Barnabas. 

St. Bartholomew}. St. Luke. 

2 Sunday in Advent. 

1 in Lent. 

10 and 23 after Trinity. 
1 in Advent, 1 after Easter. 
St. Andrew, St. James, St. 
Matthew. 

( 12, 21, 24 after Trinity. 

\ Purification. 

v 2 after Epiphany. 

To rescue us from Temptation S^Advmt Rafter Epiphany, 
r (18 after Tmnuy. 

To enable us to do good . . S 5 after faster, 1Q, U, \3, 17 , 
{ 2d after Trinity. 

To bring us to glory .... Epiphany, 6 after Epiphany. 

Regeneration Christmas-day. 

Charity Quinquagesima. 

Mortification Circumcision, Easter Eve. 

Contrition Ash-Wednesday. 

[323] g 



Comfort of the Holy Ghost . 

Humiliation 

Direction of the Holy Ghost . 

Manifold Gifts of the Holy 
Ghost 

Means of Grace ; Hearing . . 

Reading . . 

Fasting . . 

To convert us from Sin . . . 



Pardon of Sin, and Acceptance 
with God . 



122 COLLECTS, THEIR TENDENCY. 

Sincerity 3 after Easter. 

Love of God and his Law . , S^ oft er East ^^ and U after 
I 1 mnity. 

Heavenly Desires Ascension. 

Faith, right . Trinity Sunday. 

t?*:+i. *™ S 7 °f ter Trinity, St. Thomas, 

Faith, firm \ St. Mark. 

Imitation of Christ .... 6 Lent , 2 after Easter. 



Imitation of Saints . . . . \ 

Guarding of Angels, and God's ) 2, 3, 4, 20 after Trinity, St. 



St. Stephen, St. Paul, St. Philip 
and James, St. John Baptist, 
Innocents, All Saints. 



Providence 
Deliverance from Enemies 

Deliverance from Judgments 

Support under Affliction 



De f?om e G f o°o" E : n . and SUPPly \ 8 ' 15 a f ter ****■ 

For Jews, Turks, &c. 

That Ministers may be fit, 
diligent, and successful 

That the people may be kept 
in Truth, Unity, and Peace 



Michael. 
3 in Lent. 

SSexagesima, Septuagesima, 4 in 
Lent, 

3 and 4 after Epiphany. 



Good Friday. 

\ St. Matthias, St. Peter, 3 Ad- 

{ vent. 

C 1 Good-Friday, St. John, St. 
\ Simon and Jude, 5, 6, 12 
' after Trinity. 



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